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A CENTENNIAL OFEEEING. 



BEING A BEIEF 



IIISTCmi OF COOPE]iSTO¥N 



WITH A RIt)(}RAPlll«AL SKKTCll OF 



JAMES FENIMORE COOPER, 



RY nON^. TSAAV: N. ARNOLD, 



TOGETHER WITH OTHER INTERESTING LOCAL FACTS 
AND DATA. 



-J 



EDITED BY S. M. SIIAW/^o^y ^ leag Vi 



%vJ 3 2 



WASrtlVl-' 



COOPKRSTOWN, N. Y.: 

PKINTED AT THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL OFFICE. 

18 86, 



w. 



f 



PREFACE. 



There has been an expressed desire on the part of many of the 
residents of Cooperstown, for several years past, for a new and more 
complete "History of Cooperstown," than has heretofore been pub- 
lished, the old volume bearing that title being out of print ; and 
since it was issued in 1862 many events of local interest have trans- 
pired which should go upon record. In compliance with this general 
desire and an occasional personal request on the subject, I have under- 
taken to collate and edit this volume, which is issued a century after 
the firet settlement of Cooperstown ; with what degree of success as 
to meeting the just expectations of my esteemed fellow-citizens of one 
of the most noted villages in this country, I must leave to their kind 
judgment. I will only say, I have conscientiously and with much 
pleasure done the best I could with the material and time at my com- 
mand, and have preserved for some other writer at a later period, 
material that otherwise might have been lost. 

Next to Mr. Coopers "Chronicles" — which were carried down to 
1838 — the most prominent feature of this book is the appreciative 
tribute which the late Hon. Isaac N. Arnold of Chicago, formerly of 
Cooperstown, paid to the memory of Mr. Cooper in an Essay which 
first appeared in the Freeman's Journal in 1884. He had a few 
copies of the same, illustrated by a number of photographic views, 
printed in pamphlet form. This tribute of a scholarly and well-known 
author and admiring personal friend of Mr. Cooper, has been sought 
for by literary writers and publishers in different parts of the country, 
by some of whom it is esteemed the best essay ever written on Amer- 
ica's most noted Novelist and naval Historian, S. M. S. 



OTSEGO LAKE AND YICINITY. 



It IS doubtful whether any white man ever visited the shores of this 
beautiful inland lake previous to the year 1737— nearly a century and 
a half^ago— at which time it was the favorite resort of the red man. 
In 1737, Cadwallader Colden, surveyor-general, in his report to the 
Hon. George Clarke, lieutenant-governor of the province of New 
York, made this statement : "At 50 miles from Albany, the land car- 
riage from the iVlohawk river to a lake, from whence the northern 
branch of the Susquehanna takes its rise, does not exceed 14 miles. 
Goods may be carried from this lake in battoes or flat-bottomed vessels, 
through Pennsylvania, to Maryland and Virginia, the current of the 
river running everywhere easy." 

In 1753 the Rev. Gideon Hawley — "ordained a Missionary to the 
Indians, in the Old South meeting house [of Boston,] when the Rev. 
Dr. Sewall preached on the occasion" — ^journeyed as far as here, and 
left on record this memorandum : "May 31st. We met with difficulty 
about getting a canoe, and sent an Indian into the woods to get ready 
a bark, but he made small progress. In the afternoon came from 
Otsego lake, which is the source of this stream"— the Susquehanna. 
It is probable that other christian Missionaries made the same journey 
at a later period, to this part of the territory of the Six Nations. 

What was long known as the "Bowers Patent," in Middlefield, was 
originally owned by John R. Myer, of the city of New York. His 
davighter married Henry Bowers, who was the father of John M. 
Bowers, and who inherited the large tract of land which subsequently 
bore his name. John Nichols was the firet settler who lived on this 
patent, in a little house which stood near the river on "the Lakelands." 
He leased a tract of land, and made the first clearing on this patent. 
It was at his house that Mr. Henry Bowers and his wife first lodged. 
Nichols' log house was burned in 1802, at the time the timber was 
burned which was being kiln-dried for the construction of the mansion 
of Mr. Bowers, who had that day left for Albany. 

In 1791, when Cooperstown had but few dwellings, Mr. Henry 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 7 

Bowers caused to be laid out and surveyed by Philip R. Frey, the 
proposed village of "Bowerstown," which extended from the Susque- 
hanna river to the base of the hill on the east, and from the Lake to a 
point about 950 feet south thereof llie map of this projected village, 
now in the possession of Mr. H. J. Bowers, shows that this plat of 
land — now represented by "the Lakelands" and 350 feet south of the 
road which forms its southern boundary — was laid out in 82 building 
lots, nearly all of them 50x130 feet, and in a building lot 200x260 
feet for the "Manor Square" on which Mr. Bowers proposed to build, 
and being part of "the Lakelands," near the Lake and River. "Di- 
vision street" was to be "as wide as Cooper's street," and started from 
the eastern termination of our present Main street. "Bridge street" 
was the northern boundary, and terminated on the west at the first 
bridge built across the Susquehanna. "Water," "Myer" and "Wash- 
ington" streets ran north and south through the village. "Otsego" 
street ran from a point on Bridge street north, near the Lake, where 
the present owner of "the Lakelands" has constructed an avenue. 
Later on, Mr. Bowers probably changed his plans, for we do not learn 
that these "village lots" were ever put upon the market. It is a pity 
that " Cooperstown" was not originally as well laid out as "Bowers- 
town." The former will probably ere long cross the river, by legisla- 
tive enactment, and embrace within its corporate limits all of the 
former, and a tract of land lying east and south of it. 

A saw mill was built by Rob't Riddle, on Bowers patent, on Red 
Creek, in 1 791, being the first saw mill in this part of the country, and 
one has been maintained there until now. This locality, now em- 
bracing a number of dwellings, school house, mission church, and the 
mills, has long been locally known as "Bowerstown." 

In L783, a little more than a century ago, came Gen. Washington, 
as is mentioned in the "Chronicles," who said in his published 
letter : "I then traversed the country to the head of the eastern branch 
of the Susquehanna, and viewed the lake Otsego." 

When the Editor of this book came here in 1851, he had the pleas- 
ure of meeting two venerable ladies who had been well acquainted 
with General Washington, and who had met him in society, with 
other Revolutionary celebrities and chiefs — Mrs. Wilson, whose fath- 
er was at one time on Gen. Washington's staff, and her daughter 
]\lrs. Bowers. We often listened with great pleasure to the personal 
reminiscences of the latter of Washington, Lafayette, Baron Steuben, 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

and other patriots of the Revolution. Mrs. Bowers had a most re- 
markably retentive memory and a thoroughly-disciplined and well- 
educated mind ; hence she was a deliglitful convereationalist. 

After the power of the Six Nations had been broken in the Mohawk 
valley, and the warlike tribe which gave its name to that locality had 
been driven further west, the great Indian (confederacy still held 
sway about Otsego Lake and along the whole distance of the .Susque- 
hanna valley, and west to Canada. The Tories and British were con- 
stantly inciting them to deeds of violence. The Cherry Valley Mas- 
sacre occurred in November, 1778. The following year the govern- 
ment determined if possible to deal a death-blow to the power of the 
Six Nations, and it was in the summer of 1779 that Gen. Clinton, 
commanding one wing of the army sent against them, marched from 
Canajoharie through an unbroken wilderness to the head of Otsego 
Lake, carrying with him 220 boats and three months' provisions. His 
command consisted of about 1,500 troops, and they reached the present 
site of Cooperstown, July 1. During their stay of several weeks, await- 
ing the more tardy operations of Gen. Sullivan, whose column had 
advanced from Wyoming on Tioga, (ien. Clinton employed his men 
in building the dam spoken of in the "Chronicles." When the wate^^ 
was high enough to answer his purpose, he embarked his army, broke 
away the dam, and was soon carried by the accumulated waters to the 
point where he joined Sullivan, near Tioga, August 22d. The battle 
which followed, in which the Indian Chief Joseph Brant and his Tory 
and British allies were routed after an obstinate conflict, with great 
loss to their combined forces, ended the prestige and almost destroyed 
the. power of the Six Nations in this part of the country ; and from 
that day their supremacy, which had at one time extended across the 
continent, rapidly faded away. Otsego had suffered its last Indian 
incursion ; and from that time forward only occasionally a few 
straggling Indians were seen in the cabins of its white settlers. 

xit this point we introduce Mr. Cooper's record of local events, ex- 
tendiiig from 1785 to 18H8 : 



/ 



THE CHRONICLES OF COOPEESTOWN. 

KY JAMES FEM.MORE- COOPER. 



INTRODUCTIOX. 

It is always desirable to possess authentic annals. 'J'he peculiar 
nature of American history, which commences in an enlightened age, 
renders that which is so desirable, in our case, practicable, and, with 
a view that posterity may know the leading facts connected with the 
origin and settlement of the village of Cboperstown, and that even 
the present generation may be set right in some important particu- 
lars concerning which erroneous notions now prevail, as well as pos- 
sess a convenient book of reference, the following little work has 
been written. 

This book has been compiled with care, by consulting authentic 
public records, private documents, more especially those in possession 
of the Cooper family, and living witnesses, whose memories and rep- 
resentations might be confided in. It is hoped no error has been 
admitted into its pages, and it is believed no essential mistake can 
l)e pointed out. AVhere the compilers have not found good reasons 
to credit their evidence, they have proceeded with caution, and made 
their statements witli due reserve. 

A work of this character can not have a very extensive interest, 
but it is thought it will have some with a county in which its sub- 
ject composes the seat of justice ; and by those whose fathers were 
active in converting the wilderness around aljout us, into its present 
picture of comfort and civilization, no records of this nature can 
be regarded with indifference. 

'I'he love of ])articular places, such as the spots in which we were 
born, or have passed our lives, contributes to sustain all the afiections, 
and to render us better citizens^and better men. This love is strength- 
ene<l and increased by familiarity with events, and as time throws its 
interest around the past, reverence and recollections add their influ- 
ence to that of the natural ties. AVith a view to aid these sentiments, 
also, have our little labors been conducted. If those who come after 
the compilers of the Chronicles of Cooperst own, should do as much 
in their generation, they who inhabit the place a century hence, will, 
beyond question, be ready to acknowledge that in one essential duty 
tliey were not forgotten by their predecessors. 



10 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

In the early annals of this place there was a disposition, as in all 
new countries, to exaggerate its growth and various printed notices 
exist, by which its origin is stated to be several years too recent. 
These errors, as well as several connected with deaths, kc, that exist 
even in the church registers, and other official documents, have been 
carefully corrected in this book. In this respect, it is thought no 
more authentic accounts of the several subjects caii be found. 



fis4> 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 11 



CTIArTER I. 

The site of the present village of Cooperstown, is said to have 
been a favorite place of resort with the adjacent savage tribes, from 
a remote period. The tradition which has handed down this circum- 
stance, is rendered probable by the known abundance of the tish and 
game in its vicinity. 'J'he word oisego, is thought to be a compound 
which conveys the idea of a spot at which meetings of the Indians 
were held. There is a small rock near the outlet of the lake, called 
the Otsego rock, at which precise point the savages, according to an 
early tradition of the country, were accustomed to rendezvous. 

In confirmation of these traditions, arrow heads, stone hatchets, 
and other memorials of Indian usages, were found in great abund- 
ance by the first settlers, in the vicinity of the village. 

It is probable that the place was more or less frequented by Indian 
traders, for a century previously to the connnencement of the regular 
settlement of the township ; but the earliest authentic account that 
exists of any attempt, by any civilized man, to establish himself at 
this ]:)oint, refers to a much more recent period. On the Tl(\ day of 
April, 1761, letters patent were granted to John Christopher Hart- 
wick and others, for a considerable tract of land in this vicinity ; 
and "SVv. Hartwick, being under the impression that his grants ex- 
tended to the shore of the lake, caused a cleai-ing to be commenced 
not far from its outlet. Becoming satisiied that he had passed the 
boundaries of his estate, this gentleman soon relinquished his pos- 
session, and altogether abandoned the spot. This abortive attempt 
at settlement, took place about ten years before the commencement 
of the American war. 

It appears by the documents in possession of the Oooper family, 
that Col. George Croghan. who was connected with the Imlian depart- 
ment under the crown, obtained a conveyance from the Indians of 
100,000 acres of land, lying north and adjacent to the before men- 
tioned grant to INlr. Hartwick, and on the west side of the Susque- 
hanna river, and of the Otsego lake, as early as the year 1768. On 
the 13th of December of the same year, Col. Croghan gave a mort- 
gage under the Indian deed, to AVilliam Franklin" Esq., governor of 
the colony of New Jersey, to secure the payment of £3000 ; which 
money, as appears by the same documents, was obtained by (governor 
Franklin of certain persons in New Jersey, in the behalf of Col. 
Croghan, with a view to enable the latter to procure the regular title 



12 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

to the same lands, from the crown. This object was not effected until 
the 30th of November, 17G9, when letters patent were issued by the 
colonial government, granting the same tract to George Croghan and 
ninety-nine other persons ; there existing an order to prevent grants 
of more than a thousand acres at a time to single individuals. 

On the 2d day of December, 1769, the ninety-nine other persons 
named as grantees in the patent, conveyed in three separate instru- 
ments their rights to George Croghan, in fee simple. These three 
conveyances, with the patent, still exist among the Cooper papers, 
and are unquestionably the first legal instruments conveying real 
estate in the township of Otsego. 

On the loth day of March. 1770, George Croghan gave a mortgage 
on that portion of the Otsego patent, as the aforesaid grant was then 
called, which has since been called Cooper's patent, for the further 
security of the payment of the said Fum of £3000 ; both of which 
mortgages, with the accompanying bond, were regularly assigned to 
the persons already mentioned, as security for their advances. On 
the 23d day of March, 1773, judgment was obtained against George 
Croghan, in the supreme court of the colony of New York, upon the 
aforesaid bond. 

All the securities above mentioned, became vested in William 
Cooper and Andrew Craig of the city of Burlington, in the state of 
New Jersey, by various deeds of assignment, now in possession of 
the descendants of the former, as early as May, 1785. 

Mr. Cooper first visited lake Otsego in the autumn of 1785. He 
was accompanied by a party of surveyors, his object being to ascer- 
tain the precise boundaries of the land covered by his mortgage and 
judgment. 

This party arrived by the way of C'herry Valley and Middlefield, 
and first obtained a view of the lake from the mountain which has 
since been called the Vision, in consequence of the beauty of the 
view it then afforded. Judge Cooper has been often heard to say, 
that on that occasion he was compelled to climb a sapling, in order 
to obtain this view, and while in the tree, he saw a deer descend to 
the lake and drink of its waters, near the Otsego rock. In January, 
1786, Mr Cooper took possession of the property that has since been 
known as (toper's patent, under a deed given by the Sheriff of 
Montgomery county. 

It ought to be mentioned, that in 1783, Washington, then on a 
journey of observation, with a view to explore the facilities for an 
inland connnunicati<jn by water, visited the foot of lake Otsego. We 
give the letter in which he speaks of this journey, entire, in the hope 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWX. 13 

that the opinions of this great man may draw public attention more 
closely to the subject of improving our natural advantages : 

Prixcetox, October 12. 1783. 

My Dear Chevaijer^I have not had the honor of a letter from 
you since the 4th of March last ; but 1 will ascribe my disappoint- 
ment to any cause sooner than to a decay of your friendship. 

Having the appearances, and indeed the enjoyment of peace, with- 
out the final declaration of it. I, who am only waiting for the cere- 
monials, or till the British forces shall have taken their leave of 
New York, am held in an awkward and disagreeable situation, being 
anxiously desirous to quit the walks of public life, and under my 
own vine and my own fig-tree, to seek those enjoyments, and that 
relaxation, which a mind that has been constantly upon the stretch 
for more than eight years, stands so much in want of. 

I have fixed this epoch to the arrival of the definitive treaty, or to 
the evacuation of my country, by our newly acquired friends ; in 
the meanwhile, at the request of Congress, I spend my time with 
them at this place, where they came in consequence of the riots at 
Philadelphia, of which, doubtless, you have been informed, for it is 
not a very recent transaction. 

I'hey have lately determined to fix the pennanent residence of 
Congress, near the falls of Delaware ; but where they will hold their 
«essions, till they can be properly established at that place, is yet 
undecided. 

I have lately made a tour through the lakes George and Champlain 
as far as Crown point — then returning to Schenectady, I proceeded 
up the Mohawk river to Fort Schuyler (formerly Fort Stanwix). 
crossed over Wood creek, which empties into the Oneida lake, and 
afibrds the water communication with lake Ontario ; I then traversed 
the country to tlie head of the eastern branch of the Susquehannah, 
and viewed the lake Otsego, and the portage between that lake and 
the Mohawk river at Canajoharie. 

Prompted by these actual observations, I could not help taking a 
more contemplative and extensive view of the vast inland navigation 
of these United States, from maps, and the information of others, and 
could not but be struck with the immense diffusion and importance 
of it, and with the goodness of that Providence which has dealt her 
favors to us with so profuse a hand. Would to God we may have 
wisdom enough to make a good use of them. I shall not rest con- 
tented till I have explored the western part of this country, and ti-av- 
ersed those lines (or a great part of them,) which have given bounds 
to a new empire ; but when it may, if it ever should happen, I dare 



14 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWK 

not say, as my first attention must be given to the deranged situation 
of my private concerns, whicli are not a little injured by almost nine 
years' absence, and total disregard of them. 

With every wish for your health and happiness, and with the most 
sincere and affectionate regard, 

I am, my dear Chevalier, your most obedient servant, 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

To the Marquis de Chastellux. 

It should also be stated, that the present site of Cooperstown is 
connected with an event of some interest that occurred during the , 
war of the revolution An expedition having been commanded to 
proceed under the orders of Major General Hullivan, against the In- 
dians who then dwelt in the vicinity of the Seneca lake, a brigade 
employed in the duty, under Brigadier General James Clinton (the 
father of the celebrated De Witt Clinton,) marched from Albany for 
that purpose. After ascending the Mohawk as far as Fort Plain, this 
brigade cut a road through the forest to the head of lake Otsego, 
whither it transported its boats. Traces of this road exist, and it is 
still known by the name of the Continental road. Embarking at the ■ 
bead of the lake, the troops descended to the outlet, where they en- 
camped on the site of the present village. General Clinton's quarters 
are said to have been in a small building of hewn logs, whicli then 
stood in what are now the grounds of the Hall, and which it is 
thought was erected by ( -ol. Croghan, as a place in which he might 
hold his negotiations with the Indians, as well as for the commence- 
ment of a settlement. 

This building, which was about fifteen feet square and intended for 
a sort of block-house, was undoubtedly the first ever erected on this 
spot. It was subsequently used by some of the first settlers as a resi- 
dence, and by Judge Cooper as a smoke house, and it was standing in 
1797, if not a year later. It was then taken down ;.nd removed by 
Henry Pace Eaton, to his residence on the road to Pier's, where it was 
set up again as an out-house. 

There were iound the graves of two white men in the same grounds, 
which were believed to contain the bodies of deserters, who were shot 
during the time the troops were here encamped. These graves are 
supposed to be the first of any civilized man in the township of Otsego. 
All traces of them have now disappeared. 

As soon as encamped, the troops of Gen. Clinton commenced the 
construction of a dam at the outlet, and when the water had risen to 
a sufficient height in the lake, the obstruction was removed, the cur- 
rent clearing the bed of the river of flood-wood. After a short delay, 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWK 15 

for tliis i^irpose, the troops embarked and descended as far as the 
junction with the Tioga, where they were met by another brigade, 
commanded by General Sullivan in person* On this occasiom the 
Susquehannah, below the dam, w^as said to be so much reduced that a 
man could jump across it. 

Traces of the dam are still to be seen, and for many years they were 
very obvious.f At a later day, in digging the cellar of the house first 
occupied by Judge Cooper, a large iron swivel was discovered, which 
was said to have been buried by" the troops, wdio found it useless for 
their service. This swivel was the only piece of artillery used for the 
purpose of salutes and merry-makings in the vicinity of Cooperstown, 
for ten or tw^elve years after the settlement of the place. It is well 
and affectionately remembered by the name of the Cricket, and was 
bursted lately in the same good cause of rejoicing on the 4th of July. 
At the time of its final disaster (for it had met with many vicissitudes 
by field and flood, having actually once been thrown into the lake,) it 
is said there was no very perceptible difference in size, between its 
touch-hole and its muzzle. 

In addition to the foregoing statement, we are enabled to make the 
following brief history of the title to this tract of land, believing it 
may have interest with those who hold real estate within its limits In 
this account, we include some matter fv^reign to the direct title, as ex- 
planatory of the whole. 

On the 30th November, 1769, letters patent were issued, granting 
one hundred thousand acres of land to George Croghan and ninety- 
nine other persons as has been already stated. 

December 2d, 1769, the ninety-nine ether patentees conveyed, in 
three separate instruments, to George Croghan in fee. 

On the loth March, 1770, George Croghan mortgaged 40,000 acres 
of the above grant to William Franklin, as further security for the 
nioney borrowed to pay the fees, or the debt due the pel-sons who were 
called the Burlington company. This mortgage included the present 
site of the village. 

On the 12th March, 1770, George Croghan mortgaged 20,000 acres, 

tw'\^Jl^ Gazetteer of New York, it is said : "The Indians upon the banks, witnessing 
Bf.M,^L- «fi?h i."'^'"^ '►•!? ^* ^^^ ^^y^^ ^* midsummer, without any apparent cause, were 
Bti lick with superstitious dread, and in the very outset were disheartened at the ap- 
parent interposition ot tJie Great Spirit in favor of their foes." 

^.JtT^^JPl °^i X? ^^^,? ^\ ^^^^^ ^'^'" '^ere removed on the 26th of October 1825, while the 
PannL ^lil" 1 *^^' ^ ^^Y ^'*^ "'^'"^^ .iubihint, perhaps, than ever before or since, and 
cannon, placed a few miles npart, from Buttalo to Albany, and thence to Sandy Hook, 

^ai«^ >"*^^'*"'"V^ x'r''^'^^'^'-.^'''""^^^'^ lia^l entered the first canal boat at Buttalo, and 
was on his way to New York. 

After the removal, the i)r(>cession were marched into the village, and were there ad- 
ares,sed by Saniuel starkweather, Esq., during all of wliich proceedings a nine pounder 
rtP,Pw^ ''^."^ Mount Msion. at regular intervals, told the hills and valleys around 
tbat Cooperstown was rejoicing. 



16 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

being lialf of the above raentioned 40,000 acres, to Thomas Wharton, 
to secure another debt of £2,000. 

On the 26th October, 1770, John Morton obtained a judgment of a 
large amount against George t 'roghan. 

On the 22d March, 1773, judgment was obtained against George 
Croghan, for the debt due on his bond to AVilliam Franklin. 

On the — = April, 1775, George Croghan, William Franklin, Thomas 
Wharton and John Morton entered into an agreement in writing, that 
the 40,000 acres of land should be sold under the two judgments, and 
that the proceeds of the sale should go, firstly, to pay the judgment 
htdd by William Franklin ; secondly, to pay the moitgage held by 
Thomas Wharton ; and, thirdly, to pay the judgment held by John 
Morton ; or as much of each, according to the priority of the debts and 
securities, as there should be assets. This agreement was never com- 
plied with, in consequence of the war of the revolution. 

On the 20th December, 1775, William Franklin and his wife as- 
signed the mortgage of George Croghan, on the 4n,000 acres, and all 
the securities connected with it to five of the original lenders of the 
money, for their several share^i of the debt, the remaining three ac- 
cepting lands elsewhere for their claims ; the amount of the shares of 
these five assignees being £1,501', New Jersey currency, with intere.t 
from the date of the bond. 

On the 3d April, 1780, George Croghan conveyed in fee, 25,477 
acres of the above mentioned 40,000, including the site of Cooperstown, 
to Joseph Wharton, subject to the two mortgages, for the considera- 
tion of £9,553, Pennsylvania currency; Mr. Wharton being induced 
to accept this land for a debt of that great amount, in consequence of 
Mr. Croghan 's being unable to pay him in any other manner. 

On the 26th June, 1780, George Croghan conveyed, in fee, the re- 
mainder of the same tract, to Joseph Wharton, for the consideration 
of £100, this being all the land in the Otsego patent that he had not 
conveyed in fee, previously to granting the two mortgages, and of 
course al] that was subject to them. 

By several deeds poll, made between the years 1776 and 1785, all 
the rights of the original lenders of the aforesaid sum, with the inter- 
est on it from 1768, in the several bonds, in the judgment of 1773, 
and in the oldest niortgage, were vested in William Cooper and An- 
drew Craig of Burlington, New Jersey. 

On the 14th January, 1786, all the lands of George Croghan that 
were subject to the judgment of 1773, and which lay in the Otsego 
patent, being in amount as near as might be, 29,350 acres, were con- 
veyed by Samuel Clyde, Sheriff of Montgomery county, to William 
Coox^er and Andrew Craig, as judgment purchasers, under thejudgment 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN, 17 

aforesaid, for the sum of £2.7<'0. leaving a balance of £1 ,139.8s. un- 
paid, and which has never been satisfied since. 

On the 8th December. 1786. Joseph Wharton, for the consideration 
of !S2,()0(), conveyed in fee, all his right to the land in question, to 
William Cooper and Andrew Craig, then in actual possession of the 
same as judgment purchasers and mortgagees. 

On the 12th November, 1787, Augustine Prevost and Susannah 
Prevost, for the consideration of !^1 . 2. oO, released their right to the 
equity of the redemption of the mortgage on the whole 4",00<i acres, 
to William Cooper and Andrew Craig ; the said Susannah Prevost 
being the na ural daughter and devisee of George Croghan. 

On the 1 fith January, 1 788. William Cooper paid for quit rents on 
the said land, the further sum of £631. .Ss. 

On the 26th October, 1799, William Cooper paid S7.35 for commu- 
tation of quit rents, on the village plot, containing then 112 acres of 
land. 

The patent of 1769, signed Clarke ; the deeds from the ninety-nine 
other patentees to George Croghan ; the bond of Croghan to Frank- 
lin ; that of Franklin to the Burlington company ; the mortgage of 
Croghan to Franklin, with the assignment by latter to the unpaid 
members of the coinpany ; all the mesne conveyances of the same to 
William Cooper and Andrew Craig ; the deeds of Croghan to Joseph 
Wharton, and the deed of Wharton to William Cooper and Andrew 
Craig ; the release of Augustine and Susannah Prevost, and the cer- 
tificates of payments of quit rents, together with several conveyances 
from Andrew Craig to William Cooper, exist still, among the papers of 
the Cooper family. 

The deed of the Sheriff of Montgomery county to William Cooper 
and Andrew Craig has been lost ; supposed never to have been re- 
turned from the county Clerk's olhce ; but it is recorded at Johnstown, 
and an exemplified copy exists among the other papers. 

There exists, among the same papers, a copy of a bill in chancery, 
of the date of 1786, at the complaint of W^illiam Cooper and Andrew 
Craig, setting forth that the parties to the agreement of 1775, refused 
to release to them according to the understood termS of that agree- 
ment, and that the said agreement was withheld from them to their 
injury, and praying relief in the premises. It is supposed that this 
suit was arranged by compromise, as the original agreement is now 
among the same papers. 

A copy of the as.signment of the mortgage on the entire tract, under 
the Indian grant, also, is to be found among the .same papers. 

As it may be a matter of curious history hereafter, we subjoin an ac- 

2 



18 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

count of what the 29,3-^0 acres actually cost the proprietor under 
whom the country was settled : 

Amount of judgment, Jan. 14, 1786, £3,839.08 

Quit rent, Jan. 16, 1788, 631.03 

Consideration money paid Joseph Wharton, 800.00 

do. do. Augustine and Susannah Prevost, 500 . 00 

£5,770.11 
or $14,426. 37K 

This sum, with the Sheriff's fees and other incidental expenses, 
would make the actual cost of the property about 50 cents the acre. 
Col. Croghan and his family received for the same, as follows : 

Debt to Franklin £3,839.08 

Debt to Joseph Wharton, 9,553.00 

Paid his daughter, 500 ,00 

Pennsylvania currency, £13,892. 08 

This is considerably more than ^35,000. If the mortgage to Thom- 
as Wharton be included, and it is believed the debt is unpaid to this 
day, it will amount to more than ^40,000, without interest, which is 
probably five times as much as the property was worth on the day of 
George Croghan s death. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 19 



CHAPTER 11. 

FROM 1780 TO 1799. 

In addition to the abortive attempt at a settlement by Mr. Hart- 
wick, on the present site of the village, between the year ITGl and 
1770, Col. Croghan, with his family, resided for a short time on this 
spot. Appended to one of the deeds of (leorge Croghan to Joseph 
Wharton, is a map purporting to show the improvements of the lat- 
ter, at the foot of lake Otsego, but it is supposed that this map was 
made for effect, as all accounts agree in stating that in 1785, the im- 
provements were very insignificant, consisting of the remains of a few 
log fences, a clearing away of underbrush, with felled and girdled trees. 
The block-house mentioned was the only building standing, and the 
place had been abandoned for years. 

Mr Cooper commenced the settlement of his tract in the winter of 
1786, many families coming in before the snow had melted. Deeds 
were given to Israel Guild and several others, who established them- 
.selves on spots that are now within the limits of the village, in the 
•summer of that year. This was as farmers, however, rather than as 
villagei-s, it being the intention of Mr. Cooper, the proprietor who 
had the entire control of the projx^rty, and who so soon purchased the 
right of his associate that the connection of the latter with the place 
never was of any moment, to la}- out the village plot in a line extend- 
ing north and south, instead of in the direction it has actually taken. 

In June, 1786, John Miller, now the oldest living inhabitant of the 
village, as regards residence, arrived at this place, accompanied by his 
father. They reached the biuiks of the river at the outlet, where Mr. 
Miller felled a large pine across the stream to answer the purposes of 
a bridge. The stump of this tree is still to be seen, within the grounds 
of Lakelands, and it is marked, in white paint, with the words Bridge 
tree. At that time most of the dam of Clinton was still remaining. 

When Mr. Miller arrived, a widow of the name of flohnson, had the 
only resident family in the place. She lived in a log house, not far 
from the present stone dwelling of Mr. Pomeroy, though she was then 
building a frame house near the same spot. This frame building was 
sold by Mrs Johnson to William Ellison, the well known surveyor, 
who removed it the same summer, to a position near the outlet, and 
on what are now the grounds of Edgewater. 'J'his was unquestionably 
the first framed and otherwise regularly constructed house in the vil- 
lage of Coopei^town, as the block-house was the first in logs. It was 
of respectable size, and of two stories, being intendetl for a tavern, to 



20 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWK. 

which purpose it was applied as soon as habitable. William Abbott 
arrived in the summer of 1786, and established hirr^elf on the farm 
that still bears his name, about half a mile south of the village. Other 
persons came and went, and many settlers remained permanently in 
different parts of the patent. Mr. C'ooper was here, once or twice, in 
the course of the season, but he did not cause any building to be con- 
structed. Mr. Miller remained, himself, but a short time. Many 
persons were here during the summer of 1786, among others James 
White, but it is believed none passed the winter within the village 
plot, but the families of William Ellison, Israel Guild and Mrs. John- 
son. The latter soon after removed, leaving no descendants in the 
place. Mr. Guild took possession of the block-house. 

In the spring of 1 787, more emigrants appeared. Early in the season 
Mr. Cooper arrived, accompanied by his wife, who came however as a 
mere traveler. They reached the head of the lake in a chaise, and 
descended to the foot in a canoe. Mrs. Cooper was so much altrmed 
with this passage that she disliked returning in a boat, and tlie chaise 
was brought to the place, in two canoes. In order that it might reach 
the eastern bank, and to serve the public generally, a bridge was built 
at the outlet, which was the first real bridge across the Susquehanna 
at this spot. This bridge was composed of log abutments, sleepers, and 
logs laid across the latter. A road had been cut through the forest, 
following the direction of the lake, and coming out along che bank of 
Lakelands, at this bridge. It was, however, so rude and difficult to 
pass, that when the chaise left the village, men accompanied it with 
ropes, to prevent it from upsetting. 

During the summer of 1787, many more emigrants arrived, princi- 
pally from Connecticut, and most of the land on the patent was taken 
up. Until this season negotiations were going on among the different 
creditors of Col. Croghan to redeem this property by paying the claims 
of Messrs. Cooper and Craig, and taking assignments of the bonds and 
mortgages ; those gentlemen, though legally in possession of the estate, 
preferring to receive the amount of their debt to keeping the securities. 
Being persuaded, however, that the land was scarcely worth the money, 
the creditors, by this time, had abandoned the intention, and Mr. 
Cooper, towards the close of 1787, began s-eriously to think of estab- 
lishing himself permanently in this part of the country. With this 
view he commenced extending his possessions in the adjacent patents, 
and either by arrangements with the different great landholders, or by 
actual purchases, he soon had the settlement of a lai^e part of the 
present county nnre or less subject to his control. The effects were 
very visible, for there is scarcely an instance of a more rapid growth 
of a district, in any other part of a country so remarkable for advance- 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 21 

ment of this nature. When it is remembered that this extraordinary 
success was obtained in a region so difficult of access, one that is not 
easily tilled, and which has a severe climate, the energy and abilities 
that were employed, may be properly appreciate . The proprietor, 
however, was much favored by the salubrity of the air, the diseases 
usual to new countries having been scarcely known in this mountain- 
ous region. 

During the summer of 1787, several small log tenements were 
constructed on the site of the village, and arrangements were made 
by Mr. Cooper to erect a building for his own use, the succeeding 
season. Still there was no great accession to the permanent popula- 
tion, which at this time did not amount to twenty souls. The cir- 
cumstance that neither Mr. Ellison nor Mr. Guild had children, and 
that Mr. iNIiller was not yet married, contributed to lessen the number 
of the inhabitants. 

Early in 1788, the house of Mr. Cooper was erected, it beino- the 
second regular dwelling in the place. This house stood on Se'cond 
street, facing Fair street, commanding a full view of the lake, and 
of course immediately in front of the present Hall. It was of two 
stories, with two wings, and a back building was added in 1791. 
The siding was of wide boards, beaded, but not planed. A very good 
representation of this house is to be seen on the original map of this 
village, where it is marked Manor House. It was removed a short 
distance down the street in 1799. and was destroyed by fire in 1812. 
In this year Mr. Cooper seems seriously to have set about the 
formation of a village, a plot being regularly laid out for that pur- 
pose. Agreeably to this plan, six streets were laid out in an east and 
west direction, and three that crossed them at right angles, in a north 
and south. The street along the margin of the lake was called Front 
street, and the others parallel to it were numbered from Second up 
to Sixth street. I hat next to the river was called Water street, and 
that at the opposite side of the plot. West street. The street between 
them, being divided into two parts by the groynds of Mr. Cooper, 
had two names, viz : Fair street and Main street. All these names 
are preserved, though Fifth street has never been opened, and one^ 
half of Fourth street, and about one-third of Main street, are also 
enclosed. 

The map, which is well made on parchment, like all similar docu- 
ments of that period, has its base line on the west side of AVater 
street, with its direction marked "North, 20° East." The map is 
dated '-9///, Month 26lh, 1788," or "September 26th, 1788," and was 
made by AVilliam Ellison. It is now among the Cooper papers. 
By a certificate of the relemption of the quit rents on "the town 



22 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

plat of Cooperstown," dated October 26, 1799, among the same 
papers, it would appear that the plat of the village as designed on 
this map, contains one hmidred and twelve acres. 

In the autumn of this year, Israel Guild erected a small frame 
building of a story and a half, on what is now Second street, about 
one hundred feet from the intersection with West street. Mr. (xuild 
had purchased the farm that here adjoined the village plat ; all the 
land west of that point being without the proprietor's plan for the 
town. I'his house was originally in a lot ; it is still standing, being 
used as a bakery and a hatter's shop, and it unquestionably is now 
the oldest house in the place, the Manor House having been destroyed 
by fire, as mentioned, and that of Mr. Ellison having been pulled 
down when the late Mr. Isaac Cooper built at Edgewater, or in 1812. 
Mr. Uuild, however, continued to live in the block-house until 1789. 
John Howard, tanner, came this year and prepared to commence his 
business, at the spot long known as the Tannery. 

Although the settlement of Cooper's patent commenced early in 
1786, the regular commencement of the village dates properly from 
1788, for while the idea of a town is older, it was not systematically 
planned until this summer. It follows that this year (1838,) com- 
pletes the first half century of the existence of the place. The name 
of Cooperstown, it is true, appears in one or two papers as early 
even as 1786 : but the place was indiscriminately known by this 
appellation, and that of the Foot of the Lake, until the year 1791, 
when it became the county town. 

In 1789, Mr. Cooper finished his house and set up a frontier estab- 
lishment. His eldest son, the late Richard Fenimore Cooper, Mr. 
Charles Francis of Philadelphia, Mr. Richard R. Smith of New 
Jersey, and several other gentlemen, were his occasional associates. 
The late Hendrik Frey of Canajoharie, was a frequent visitor, and 
the traditions of the festivities of the Manor Hou.se. during that and 
the succeeding years, are still agreeable to the lovers of good cheer. 

The lake abounded with the most delicious fish, and Shipman, the 
Leatherstocking of the region, could at almost any time, furnish the 
table with a saddle of venison. Among the laughable incidents that 
accompanied the free manner of the living, so peculiar to a border 
life, the following stories seem to be well authenticated. 

In the course of the winter of 1789-90, during one of the periodi- 
cal visits of Col. Frey. a large lumber sleigli was fitted out, with four 
horses, and the whole party sallied upon the lake for a morning drive. 
An ex-officer of the French army, a Monsieur Ebbal, resided by 
himself on the western bank of the lake. Perceiving the sleigh and 
four approaching his house, this gentleman, with the courtesy of his 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 23 

nation, went forth upon the ice to greet the party, of whose character 
he was not ignorant, by the style in which it appeared. Mr. Cooper 
invited his French friend to join him, promising him plenty of game, 
with copious libations of Madeira, by way of inducement. Though 
a good table companion in general, no persuasion could prevail on 
the Frenchman to accept the oifer that day. until provoked by his 
obstinacy, the party laid violent hands on him and brought him to the 
village by force. Monsieur Ebbal took his captivity in good part, 
and was soon as buoyant and gay as any of his companions. He 
habitually wore a long skirted surtout, which at that time was almost 
a mark of a Frenchman, and this surtout he pertinaciously refused 
to lay aside, even when he took his seat at table. On the contrary, 
he kept it buttoned to the very throat, as it might be in defiance. 
The Christmas joke, a plentiful board, and heavy potations, however, 
threw the guest off his guard. Warmed with the wine and the 
blazing fire, he incautiously unbuttoned ; when his delighted com- 
panions discovered, that the accidents of a frontier, the establish- 
ment of a bachelor who kept no servant, and certain irregularities in 
washing days, that were attendant on both circumstances, coupled 
with his emprexsemeni to salute his friends had induced the gallant 
Frenchman to come abroad without a shirt. He was uncaseclon the 
spot, amid the roars of the convives, and incontinently put into linen. 
"Cooper was so polite," added the mirth-loving Hendrik Frey, when 
he repeated this story for the hundredth time, "that he supplied a 
shirt with ruffles at tlie wristbands, which made Ebbal very happy 
for the rest of the night. Mein Gott, how his hands did go, after he 
got the ruffles I'" 

These wags told Monsieur Ebbal, that if chased by a bear, the most 
certain mode of escape, was to throw away his hat, or his coat, to in- 
duce the animal to stop and smell at it, and then to profit by the oc- 
casion, and climb a sapling that was too small to enable his enemy to 
fasten its claws in it. in the way it is known to ascend a tree. The 
advice was well enough, but the advised having actually an occasion 
to follow it the succee ling autumn, scrambled up a sapling first, and 
began to throw away his clothes afterwards. The bear, a she one 
with cubs, tore to pieces garment after garment, without quitting the 
spot, keeping poor Ebbal treed, throughout a cool autunnial night, al- 
most as naked as he was when uncased at the celebrated Christmas 
banquet. It appears that the real name of this person was V Abbe 
cle R'tff court. 

During the winter of 1789-90, Mr. Cooper had a stock of goods 
brought into the village, Mr. R. R. Smith doing the duty of the mer- 
chant. This was the first store established in the place, and of great 



24 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

service to the settlers. Up to this period, the latter had been com- 
pelled to go to Canajoharie to make their purchases. Even later, 
they were obliged to go that distance to find a mill, not uiifrequently 
carrying their grists on their shoulders. The distance, it will be re- 
membered, is twenty-five miles. 

October the 10th, 1790, Mr. Cooper first brought his family to 
Cooperstown, giving up his residence in New Jersey entirely. From 
this time, dates the steady and progressive growth of the village. 
There exists a document to show that in 1790, Cooperstown contained 
seven framed houses, three framed barns, and thirty-five inhabitants. 
It is supposed that this enumeration of the inhabitants was made pre- 
viously to the arrival of the family of Mr. Cooper, as that family 
alone, with its inmates and domestics, amounted to about fifteen per- 
sons. It is also supposed, that the houses, three or four in number, 
that stood without the old village plat, like that of Mr. (xuild, the 
Tannery, &c., were not included. The house standing at the south- 
east corner of Second and Water streets, and which for the last forty 
years has belonged to the Ernst family, was erected this summer by 
Mr. Benjamin Griffin. It is now the second oldest house in the 
village. 

February 16th, 1791, the county of Otsego was formed, and Coop- 
erstown was designated as the county town, Mr. Cooper being ap- 
pointed the first Judge of the county court. A Court House was 
built at the southeast corner of West and Second streets. It was 
thirty feet square ; the lower story, which contained four rooms, be- 
ing used as a jail, and the whole of the upper story, as a court room. 
The lower story was built of squared logs, and the upper of framed 
work. The entrance to the court room was on the north front, two 
flights of steps on the exterior of the building, meeting at a platform 
before a door that opened into the air. 

The jury rooms were in a tavern occupied by the jailer, that stood 
on the same lot, and which was erected the same year. The first 
sheriff was Richard R. Smith, who being altogether superior to en- 
tering into the lower duties of the office, appointed Stephens, 

jailer. 

During this summer, the Red Lion tavern, which projected half way 
across Second street, was erected, as was also the house at the corner 
diagonally opposite, now owned by Judge Russell. The two houses 
that stand third and fourth from the corner of West street, on the 
south side of Second street, were also erected this year, as were sev- 
eral others. The first lawyer who came to reside in the village, was 
Mr. Abraham Ten Broeck of New Jersey, and the second was Mr. 
Jacob (t. Fonda of Schenectady ; both these gentlemen came in 1791. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 25 

Mr. Joseph Strong, a native of Orange county, came a year or two 
later, and also Mr. Moss Kent, a brother of the celebrated Chancellor 
Kent. These four gentlemen were the first of their profession in 
Cooperstown. They all removed within the first twelve years of 
their residence, though descendants of Mr. Strong, in the second and 
third generation, are still inhabitants of the place. Several stores 
were also set up in 1791, of which the principal was owned by Mr. 
Peter Ten Broeck. 

The first physician also appeared in the spring of this year ; his 
name being Powers. Doctor Fuller, so long and so favorably known, 
for a professional career that lasted forty-six years in the same place, 
arrived in .lune. In the course of the year. Dr. Powers was accused 
of mixing tartar emetic with the beverage of a ball given at the Red 
Lion. He was tried, convicted, put in the stocks and banished for the 
offence ; this sentence, as a matter of course, terminated his career 
in this spot. A Dr. Farnsworth came a year or two later, and Dr. 
Gott about the same time ; but for many years, nearly all the prac- 
tice of the country was in the hands of Dr. Fuller, who is said to 
have been the medical attendant of more than two thousand births. 

There exists no positive information of the increase of the village 
during the year 1791, but it was relatively great, for the times. At 
the end of the year, Cooperstown certainly contained twenty houses 
and stores, and probably a hundred inhabitants. As most of the emi- 
grants were young, their families were necessarily small, which ac- 
counts for the feeble number of the population. From this period, or 
for the last forty-six years, the place has been more gradual in its 
growth, the increase being steady and regular, and not subject to the 
sudden changes of more speculative neighborhoods. 

The first child born actually in the village was N'athan Howard, a 
son of John Howard ; and the first death was that of a son of Mr. 
Joseph Griffin, which took place October Uth, 1792. On the occa- 
sion of this death, a piece of ground was selected as a place of inter- 
ment, near the junction of Water and Third streets, or where Christ 
Church now stands. 

The first child born on the patent was a son of Bill Jarvis of Fly 
Creek. He was born in 1787, and was named after the proprietor, re- 
ceiving fifty acres of land as a memorial of the circumstance. 

William Abbott had a son born previously to the birth of Nathan 
Howard, but he did not reside immediately in the village, although 
forming a part of the village community. The boy was called Reuben, 
from the circumstance of his being the first born. 

The first school was kept by Joshua Dewey, but it was not com- 
menced until a year or two later. 



26 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 



CHAPTP]R III. 

FROM 1792 TO 1797. 

The village at the commencement of the year 1792, stood princi- 
pally on Second street, with a house or two on Water street, one or 
two more on Front street, and a few on West street. The shops and 
taverns were collected in the vicinity of the four principal corners, 
where were also the Court House and Jail. It is evident to the 
geologist that water has once flowed over the site of the place, and 
originally many deep holes or hollows existed, which had the appear- 
ance of having been formed by powerful eddies or currents. Most of 
these holes have disappeared, by leveling and filling up, but a few are 
still to be seen, especially in the grounds of the Hall, where they have 
been preserved as helping the ornamental walks, &c., &c. 

Some of these inequalities, of course, existed in the streets, and 
many persons still remember the place when there were considerable 
ascents and descents in them. Opposite to the present bank there 
was, as recently as the commencement of this century, a little rise in 
the road, and in West street, at the point near that where the present 
inclination commences, was a short, sharp pitch, down which vehicles 
had to descend with great care. Judge Cooper's barns, stables, &c., 
down to the year 1 798 certainly, if not to a later day, were in the rear 
of the stone store that now belongs to Mr. J. R. Worthington , and 
they stood many feet below the level of the streets. Nor did the 
stumps disappear altogether from even Second street, which is the 
principal avenue of the village, until the close of the century. The 
road to Fly Creek diverged from the Hart wick road, near Howard's 
farm, and the narrow part of Second street continued enclosed as part 
of the farm of Mr. Guild, until about the year 1795. 

Mr. James Averell was an early settler on the patent, having oc- 
cupied the farm since known as the Howard farm, in 1787, but he ex- 
changed with Mr. Howard this farm against the Tannery, and removed 
into the village, or rather into what is now the village, in the year 
1792. Here, by his enterprise and industry, he raised the works in 
question into some of the most important of the sort that then existed 
in the newer part of the State. Mr. Averell soon became conspicuous 
for his habits of business, and subsequently was much connected with 
the increase of ( 'ooperstown and its vicinity, in wealth and industry. 

Between the years 1792 and 1797, Messrs. Wade, Stevens, Renssa- 
laer Williams, Richard Williams, Norman Landon, Peter Ten Broeck 
and Le Quoy arrived and established themselves as merchants ; Mr. 



HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 27 

R. R, Smith relinquishing business, and going to Philadelphia, where 
he was soon a partner in an extensive wholesale house. 

Mr. Wade was an Irishman by birth, and had served as a captain in 
the British army. He remained but a year or two. when he returned 
to New York. The present Major Wade of the United States army 
is his son. Mr. Stevens returned to Philadelphia also, in a few years ; 
but the Messrs. Williams continued their connection with the place, 
down to the periods of their deaths ; their collateral descendants and 
heirs still existing in Oooperstown. The Messrs. Ten Broeck returned 
to New Jersey, at the end of a few years. Mr Landon died, and is 
interred in the old burying ground. 

Mr. Le Quoy excited a good deal of interest during his stay in the 
place, as he was a man altogether superior to his occupation, which 
was little more than that of a country gr.tcer ; an interest that was 
much increased by the following circumstance. 

Among the early settlers in Otsego county, was Mr. Lewis de Villers, 
a French gentleman of respectable extraction and good manners. Mr. 
de Yillers was in Cooperstown about the year 1798, at a moment 
when a countryman, a Mr. Renouard, who afterwards established him- 
self in the county, liad recently reached the place. Mr. Renouard was 
a seaman and had the habit of using tobacco. Enquiring of Mr. de 
Villers where some of his favorite article might be purchased, Mr. de 
Villers directed him to the shop of Mr. Le Quoy, telling him he would 
help a countryman by making his purchase of that person. In a few 
minutes Mr. Renouard returned from the shop, much agitated and 
very pale. Mr. de Villers inquired if he were unwell. "In the name 
of God, Mr. de Villers who is the man who sold me this tobacco ?" 
demanded Mr. Renouard. "Mr. Le Quoy, a countryman of ours " 
**Yes, Mr. I^ Quoy de Mersereau." "I know nothing about the de 
Merserean, he calls himself Mr. Ijc Quoy. Do you know anything of 
him?" "When I went to Martinique to be port captain of St. Pierre." 
answered Mr. Renouard, "this man was the civil governor of the island, 
and refused to confirm my appointment." 

Subsequent inquiry confirmed this story, Mr. Le Quoy explaining 
that the influence of a lady had stood in the way of Mr. Renouard's 
preferment. 

The history of .Mr. Le Quoy has since been ascertained to be as fol- 
lows : When governor of .Martinique he had it in his power to do a 
friendly oflice to Mr. John Murray of New York, by liberating one of 
his ships, Mr Murray being at the head of the old and highly respecta- 
ble connnercial house of John Murray ct'Sons. then one of the principal 
firms of the country. This act brought about an exchange of civilities 
between Mr. Murray and Mr. Le Quoy, which continued for a few 



28 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

years. When the French revolution drove Mr. Le Quoy from the 
island, he repaired to Xew York, and sought his friend Mr. Murray, 
to whom he stated that he had a small sum of money, which he wished 
to invest in a country store, until his fortunes might revive. Between 
Judge C^ooper and Mr. Murray there existed an intimacy, and the 
latter referred Mr Le Quoy to the former. Under the advice of Judge 
Cooper, Mr. Le Quoy established himself in Cooperstown, where he 
remained more than a year. At the end of that time he made his 
peace with the new French government, and quitting his retreat, he 
was employed for some months in superintending the accounts of the 
diiferent French consulates in this country. It is said that he soon 
after returned to Martinique in his old capacity, and died the first 
season of yellow fever. When Mr. Fenimore Cooper was in France, 
the Comte d'Hauterive, who had been French consul general in Amer- 
ica, at the period of Mr. Le Quoy's residence, spoke of the latter gen- 
tleman, and in part, corroborated this history of him. The following 
letter appears to have been written soon after he left Cooperstown, 
and at the moment he commenced his consular duties : 

Philadelphia, 10th Oct., 1794. 

Dear Sir — I have experienced too much of your friendship to be- 
lieve you will not hear of my fate with some degree of concern 1 am 
to go to Charleston in 8 C. about some business which will keep me 
most all the winter. I hope for a more permanent employment than 
what I have at present ; if not, I know where to find peace, good bus- 
iness, good friends. I shall always consider you among the number. 

I wish you and all your family health and happiness, and I remain, 
dear sir, your most humble servant F. Z. Le Quoy. 

Mons. W. Cooper, in Cooperstown, Otsego county. 

Later letters show that Mr. Le Quoy did not quit this country until 
1796. 

January 27th, 1795, Mr. James Barber, tailor, died of the small pox. 
This was the first adult who died a natural death in the village. He 
lived in the large old building which stands north of the dwelling of 
Mr. Lawrence McNamee, and which was erected the year before. But, 
Mr. Jabez Wight, cabinet maker, was drowned while bathing, near the 
outlet, August 14th, 1794. This was the second death, in the place. 
The same ye ir a child of Mr. Averell's was drowned, but not in the 
lake. All these persons were interred in Christ church burying ground, 
where their head-stones are still to be seen. 

During the first ten years of the existence of the village, the people 
depended entirely on chance for the little religious instruction they 
received. The emigrants to the place, more particularly those who 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 29 

had any property, were singularly divided as to religious faith, the 
Presbyterians, though the most numerous sect, being the poorest. 
Missionaries occasionally penetrated to this spot, and now and then a 
traveling Baptist, or a Methodist, preached, in a tavern, a school house, 
or a barn. The first regular clergyman, who had any engagement to 
officiate in Cooperstown, was the Rev. Mr. Mosely, who was employed 
for six months. This was in the year 1795. He was a Presbyterian, 
and went away at the expiration of his eugagement. 

In the way of schools, the village did a little better. It has been 
said that Joshua Dewey kept the first school. He was soon succeeded 
by Oliver Cory, who conducted the common school of the place, with 
commendable assiduity and great credit to himself, for many years. 
Nearly all the permanent inhabitants of the village, who are between 
the ages of forty and fifty-five, received their elementary instruction 
from this respectable teacher. Mr. Cory did not neglect religious in- 
struction altogether, but every Saturday was devoted to this object. 
His care in this respect, as well as his lessons on deportment, were at- 
tended with the most beneficial results, and it is to be regretted that 
they have not been imitated in our own time. He kept his school 
originally in the Court House, and then in the fii-st regular school 
house ever built in the place. This school house was a small wooden 
building that stood on the lot that is now occupied by the dwelling of 
.Mr. Elihu Phinney. Subsequently Mr. Cory held his school in the 
Academy. 

Notwithstanding the apparent neglect on the subject ol religion, 
which, in all probability, is to be referred more to the division in sen- 
timent mentioned, than to any other cause, the people of Cooperstown 
showed great public spirit on the subject of establishing an Academy, 
a plan for which was started as early as 1795. We subjoin the follow- 
ing copy of a subscription paper for that purpose, in proof of what we 
say, and which is still in existence, viz : 

''We the subscribers do severally undertake to contribute the sums opposite to 
our respective names, towards an academy in Cooperstown, for the county of 
Otsego. April 5th, 1795. 



William Cooper, 


$725.00 


James Averell, 


$50.00 


William Abbot, - 


40.00 


Francis Henry, 


- 5.00 


Huntington & Ingals, 


25.00 


Jabez Hubbell, - 


5.00 


Elisha Fullam, 


7.50 


Norman Landon, 


- 45.00 


Jonas Perry, 


2.50 


Timothy Sabin, 


3.75 


Lemuel Jewel, 


2.50 


Barnet Whipple, 


- 5.00 


Thomas Fuller, - 


40.00 


Bill Jarvis, - 


2.50 


Samuel Tubbs, 


12.50 


Moses Kent, 


- 25.00 


Uriah Luce, 


10.00 


Veter Lambert, 


7.50 



30 HISTOHV OF rOOFFnSTOWK. 



.Josopii Holt, 


10.00 


Nathaniel (iott, 


- - 12.50 


.lolin Millrr. 


7.60 


William Ellison, 


12.50 


•la UK'S Wliito, 


ir..oo 


Sloplien Ingals, 


- 5 00 


.liuiK's (Jiinlner, 


- 10.00 


Abner IHmham, 


6.25 


Natlian Davison, 


5.00 


K. riiinnoy, 


- 40.00 


.losopli (Jrilliii 


. 42.f)0 


Lewis De Villers, - 


15.00 


,h)lm Howard, 


30.00 


Robert Kiddle, - 


- 7.50 


William Cook. - 


- 26.00 


Aaron Noble, 


7.50 


lUnjainin (Jiilliu, 


26.00 


3Tatthew Bennet, 


- 7.50 


.?aoob Morris, 


- 62.50 


Isaac Stacy, 


10.00 


lU'iijaiuin (iilbort, 


30.00 


Joseph N. Jones, 


- 5.00 


Crilliu Crafts, 


- 30.00 


Levi Wentworth, - 


6.25 


Tntiil 


■s.^ <iii OF, 



'I'ho odd cents aiv from the subseriptioiis having- been in the old 
cniTeiu\y. This doeunient shows several interesting facts. There are 
forty-two names, which makes an average snbscrii)tion of more than 
^33 to each name; and it may be donbted if any thing like such an 
average conld now be obtained for any pnblic object whatever. Of 
these forty-two names, twenty-three were then residents of the village, 
atid considering the [)nblic s[)irit that prevailed, it is fair to supposie 
that this ct)niprised at least two-thirds of the heads of families that 
were tluMi to be found in the place. It will }>robably be sjife to Siiy, 
that (\>oi>erstown contained in I7!);"i, about thirty-live families, and 
quite as many houses. As the heads of families were generally young, 
an average of live })crsons to each family would be sutliciently high : 
this woiUd give a whole number of one hundred and seventy-live souls. 
If to these we add twenty-five for single ])ersons, we get a total of two 
hundred for the population, which could not be far from the truth. 

The Academy was raised September 18th, 1795. It was one of 
those tai^teless buildings that atHiet all new countries, and contained 
two school rooms below, a jnissage and the stall's ; while the upper 
story was in a single room. Nothing superior to a connnon English 
education was ever taught in this house, all attempts at classical in- 
struction failing. Tiiis must be ascribed to the general want of means 
in the population, at the time : tlie few who gave their children chissi- 
cal ediu'ations. usually sending them abroad for that purpose 

'I'he Academy, containing at that time the largest room in the place, 
was as much used for other j)urpt)sesas for those of education. Kelig- 
ious meetings were generally held there, as well as other large assemblages 
of the people. The st'hool exhibitions of Mr. Cory, in which Brutus 
and Cassius tigured in hats of the cuts of 177G, blue coats faced with 
ivd, of no cut at all. and matross swords, are still the subject of mirth 
with those who remember the protligies. The court on great occasions 



I 



HISTORY OF C00PER8T0WN. 31 



was sometimes held in this buildiDj:;, and even balls were occjisionally 
given in it ; in short, it was a Jack of all work, rather than of the par- 
ticular work for wiiich it was intended. 

Notwithstanding^ the failure as resi)ects a classical school, the year 
was memorable for the establishment of another species of instruction, 
that probably was more useful to this particulai- community, at that 
early day. On the 2Hth of February, 171)5, Mr. i^^lihu Phinney, a na- 
tive of (,'Onnccticut, arrived in (Jooperstown brined no; with him the 
materials for printing a newspai)er ; and on the ^id day of April of 
the same year, the first number of the Olsc/io IIer(d(I,or \Vt'Mnra Ad- 
vertiser, a weekly paper, made its appearance. This was the second 
journal published in the State, west of Albany. We see by its title 
that, in ITDT), it was considered a western jirint, whereas at the present 
day, (Joo}>erstown is probably a hundred leagues east of the central 
point around which journals are now to be found. 

By means of this })rint we are enabled to make the following curious 
statistical statement, by which the reader will obtain an insight into 
the actual condition of the western part of this State at that time. 
In 1 794, Judge Cooper was elected Kei)r(>sentative in Congress, from 
a district comj)Osed of the counties of Montgomery, Herkimer, Tioga, 
Ontario, Onondaga and Otsego, as they then existed, IIiso})ponent 
was Mr. Winn of Montgomery, and the following is the result of the 
canvass : 

COOl'KR. WINN. 

Montgomery, 304 970 

Herkimer, 746 144 

Tioga, 89 88 

Ontario, 30 2 

Onondaga, 95 6 

Otsego, 1271 216 

Total, 2536 1426 

Here we see that the county of Ontario, at that time comprising so 
much of the State, gave but '^2 votes, while Otsego gave 1487. The 
fact shows the great rapidity with which the latter county had been 
settled. 

A brewery was established in 1794, by two P]nglishmen, of the 
names of Mulcock and Morgan, but it was in a^lvance of the country, 
and after a short experiment it failed. 

July 9th, 1 795, a man named Porteus was flogged at the whipping 
post, for stealing some pieces of ribbon. '^Phis was the first of two in- 
stances of the same punishment on the same spot. The whipping post 
and stocks stood nearly opposite the jail <loor, in West street, but on 
the west side of the street. Porteus was bftmshed, as well as floooetl 



32 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWK 

the former punishment being used in Cooperstown. It is to be re- 
gretted that it has fallen into disuse. 

By an article in the Otsego Herald of October 3()th, it would seem 
that the year 1795 added much to the size of the place, no less than 
thirty buildings having been constructed that season. iMany of these, 
however, were shops, offices and stores. Among others were the 
Brewery and Academy, already mentioned. The former stood near 
the present bridge, and is described as having been 83 feet in length, 25 
feet wide, and 1 9 feet posts. The Academy was 65^ feet long, 32 
wide^ and 25 feet posts. The summit of the belfry was 70 feet from 
the ground. 

On the evening of the 2()th November, 1795, a building attached to 
the pottery of Mr. Joshua Starr, a respectable inhabitant of the village, 
w. s destroyed by fire. This is believed to be the first accident of the 
sort that ever occurred in Cooperstown. 

The mills that still exist on the Susquehanna, were erected by Mr. 
William Ellison, as early as 1792. 

It appears that the Rev. Elisha Mosely preached the first thanks- 
giving sermon in Cooperstown, on the 26th November, 1795, in the 
Court House. By the latter circumstance it would seem that the 
Academy, which indeed was only raised on the 18th September, had 
not been completed. It is also stated in the Otsego Herald, that in 
this year the village paid in excise, and through the inns and stoi-es, 
kc, and by the duty on carriages, thirty-six pounds. The first car- 
riage that was ever used in the place, was a phaeton of Judge Coop- 
er's. This was in 1792. In 1795, he set up a chariot, which by the 
aid of four horses, was enabled to perform a journey from Coopers- 
town to Cherry Valley, between breakfast and supper. 

The first road to communicate with the lower country, was that 
mentioned already as running along the eastern margin of the lake. 
Its course did not differ essentially from that of the present turnpike. 
A rude road existed previously to the revolution, from C-herry Val- 
ley, as far as the Ingals farm in Middlefield, and this road was brought 
round the end of the V^ision and into the village, about the year 1791. 
It followed the present margin of the forest, on the side of the moun- 
tain, until it reached the spot where Woodside now stands, when it 
traversed the present grounds of Lakelands, diagonally, to the outlet. 
This end of the road was three times altered ; first, by bringing it 
down to the river a little below the mills ; secondly, by leading it 
more diagonally across the fields, and lastly, to its present route. 

A State road was laid out between Albany and Cooperstown, in 
1794. This road crossed the mountain, and descended the Vision by 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN, 33 

the line that is still used as a foot-path. A bridge was then first 
constructed, where the present bridge now stands. 

In 1802, the second company of the Great Western turnpike 
brought the present turnpike road through the village. The labors 
of this company sensibly improved the surface of Second street, and 
may be set down as the commencement of the present handsome ap- 
pearance of the principal streets. The lake turnpike was constructed 
in 1825. The State road was continued west by the people, in 1796, 
nearly on the line of the present turnpike, some aid being obtained 
from the State. The Hartwick and Pier's roads have been but little 
altered since 1786, though both have been straightened near the vil- 
lage. 

In 1795, the township of Otsego, then much larger than at present, 
however, contained 2160 males above the age of 16, a prodigious in- 
crease for ten years. It had 491 electors under the laws of that 
period, viz : 368 £100 freeholders ; 55 £20 freeholders ; and 60 per- 
sons renting tenements at £2. It is said that in 1738, all the electors 
in the State west of Albany, the latter included, excepting, however, 
the manor of Rensselaer, were but 636. In 1795, the number in the 
same counties was 36,026. It probably now exceeds 200, (lOO. 

It is mentioned that lake Otsego was free from ice on the 1st of 
January, 1796. It did not close the present year (1838) until the 
23d January. March, 1796, was memorable for the flocks of pigeons 
that flew through this valley ; elderly persons declaring that they saw 
more on a single morning than they had previously seen in all their 
lives. 

At the close of the year 1796, Judge Cooper made his contracts 
for the construction of the Hall. This, it is believed, was the first 
building in the county, and, with the exception of the German set- 
tlements, almost the first private building in the State. Avest of 
Schenectady, that was not built of wood. By an instrument that is 
still in existence. William Sprague and Barnet Whipple contracted 
to do the carpenter's and joiner's work of this house, all the materials 
being found on the spot, for the sum of i$1.350. The work wjis begun 
in the year 1796, but it got no higher than the foundation in 1797. 
In 1798, the walls were raised and the house was effectually enclosed. 
In June, 1799, the building was completed, and the family of the 
proprietor removed into it. It was, however, inhabited by some of 
the workmen in 1798. 

The grounds of the old building, which was called the Manor 
House, and those of the Hall, were not identical. The former ex- 
:ended back no farther than to the site of the present building, 
^'hereas the latter, as is known, reached to Third street. At this 



34 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

time and for some years later, many pines were still standing in the 
fields south of Third street, and most of the spots that had been 
cleared were covered with a young second growth. Otsego Hall was, 
for many years, the largest private residence in the newer parts of the 
State, and it is still much the most considerable structure in Coop- 
erstown, a village that is so singularly well built. Some idea of the 
strength with which it was constructed may be gained from the fact, 
that in 1834, when the present owner commenced his repairs and im- 
provements, the floor above the great hall, which is near twenty-five 
feet by fifty in surface, was raised three feet, one comer at a time, 
without injury even to the ceiling below. The joists were of oak, 
the planks of the best quality, and the fastenings of wrought iron 
spikes. The house was struck by lightning in 1802, on which occa- 
sion the first lightning rod in Cooperstown was erected. 

The Free Masons opened a lodge in the village on the first Tuesday 
in March, 1796, and on the 27th December, they held a great religious 
festival in the Academy. They dined in the same place, and in the 
evening they had a ball. 

The first library was opened in this village, March 11th, 1796^ 
Capt. Timothy Barnes, librarian. 

The year 1794 was memorable in the history of Cooperstown, for 
what is still called the Indian alarm. This alarm was false, having 
proceeded from the combined circumstances that a report prevailed of 
a considerable body of Indians having been seen lurking in the woods 
at no great distance, and that a party who had brought in some 
counterfeiters discharged their pistols at midnight. Scouts had been 
previously sent to ascertain the fact about the Indians, and this dis- 
charge of pistols was supposed to proceed from these scoiits. in the 
wish to alarm the village. Many ludicrous accounts are given of the 
effect of the fright, one man in particular, secreting himself in a log 
abutment of the bridge that had then been recently constructed at the 
spot where the present bridge now stands. We learn in the fact, the 
infant condition of the country, as it was then possible to create an 
alarm on account of the Indians. 

Up to this period the lake was full of fish, and hauls of hundreds 
of the delicious bass were made at a time, during the proper season. 
The trout also abounded, as did deer. The fisherman of the day was 
known as Admiral Hearsey, pronounced Hassy, a man who was un- 
happy unless in a boat or before a lime kiln. He was, perhaps, more 
thoroughly aquatic than his successor, the Commodore, who has now 
commanded the lake more than thirty years, but on the whole, less 
skillful. At that time pickerel, now so abundant, were seldom 
caught at all. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 35 

In 1794, there was a large flat boat on the lake, called the ship Jay, 
on board of which Admiral Hassy first hoisted Ms flag. His sails 
were boards, and his speed more than doubtful. 

The old road along the east bank of the lake was abandoned about 
this time ; those who went to Springfield going by the way of Pier's ; 
and those who went to Albany, or to the Mohawk, by the way of 
Cherry Valley, 

A journey taken by Judge Cooper in 1795, of which the memorials 
still exist, will give an idea of the means of communication that were 
then in the country. He left Cooperstown soon after breakfast, with 
his wife and two children, in the old-fashioned chariot already men- 
tioned, and drawn by four horses. At INIiddlefield Center the party 
stopped, bated and dined. It reached Cherry Valley a little before 
sunset, where it passed the night. Left Cherry Valley next morning 
after an early breakfast, and stopped to dine with Mr. Christopher 
Yates ; thence to the house of Hendrik Frey, at Canajoharie, to sup- 
per and to sleep. Quitting Mr. Frey s after a late breakfast, or at 
ten o'clock, it reached an inn for the night, about ten miles from 
vSchenectady. The next morning, making an early start, it reached 
Gilbert's in Schenectady, to a late breakfast, and succeeded in getting 
to Albany about sunset. 

At this period lime-kilns and brick-kilns existed at the outlet, 
owing to which circumstance, and to the diggings of the different 
roads, the western bank has been much defaced, it having resembled 
the eastern a good deal, in its native state ; though a small flat always 
existed a little below. 

In 1797, the Rev. Thomas Ellison of Albany, and the Patroon, 
both regents of the university, visited the Cherry Valley academy, 
and then extended their journey to (^ooperstown, where the former 
preached in the Court House. This was the first time service, ac- 
cording to the rites of the Protestant Episcopal church, was ever per- 
formed in the place. 



36 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 



CHAPTEE IV. 

In 1799, the Rev. John Frederick Ernst, a Lutheran elergyman, 
settled in Cooperstown, under a temporaiy arrangement with the in- 
habitants, to perform religious seivice. Perhaps Mr. Ernst, who was 
a native of Germany, was the only person of his own persuasion in 
the village, and the reason of this selection was connected with a 
hope of getting the benefit of a bequest made for the purpose of edu- 
cation and religious instruction, by the late Mr. Hart wick. This 
hope proved fallacious, and Mr. Ernst remained but two or three 
years in the place, though he purchased property in it, and his de- 
scendants in the fourth generation are now to be found among us. 
Mr. Ernst was the second regularly employed clergyman in Coopers- 
town, though, owing to his peculiar sect, he can hardly be said to have 
had a regular church. 

The first law for establishing a post route from some convenient 
point on the line of post route between Albany and Canandaigua, 
"through Cherry Valley to the Court House in Cooperstown. in the 
county of Otsego," was passed on the 8th May, 1794. The postoffice 
was first opened in the village June 1st, 1794, Joseph Gritfin, post- 
master. The mail arrived weekly for some years ; it then came twice 
a week ; then thrice ; then daily ; and several variations occurred 
even after this, the daily mail not having been permanently estab- 
lished, as at present, vmtil about the year 1821. 

In 1799, the Rev. John McDonald of the Scotch Seceders, was ar- 
rested for debt in this village, bailed, and was placed on the limits. 
Mr. McDonald during his imprisonment preached regularly in the 
Court House, though he had no call, supporting himself by instruct- 
ing a few classical scholars. He went away in 1800. 

The Presbyterians and Congregationalists, in and about Coopers- 
town, formed themselves into a legal society on the 29th of December, 
1798.* The spiritual organization of this church took place on the 
16th of June, 1800, Isaac Lewis, moderator of the meeting. On the 
1st day of October, 1800, the Rev. Isaac Lewis was installed the pas- 
tor of the aforesaid church and congregation. He was the first regu- 
larly and permanently settled clergyman in Cooperstown, and he 
officiated altogether in the Academy, as Mr. Ernst had done during 
his stay. His connection with this church was dissolved in 1805. 

*It will be found by reference to Book B, Connty Clerk's office, that a legally con- 
vened meeting of inhabitants of this town was held at the house of Capt Isaac Wil- 
liams, Jan. 12, 1795, at which was organized "The First Religious Society in the town 
of Otsego." The organization of the society mentioned by Mr. Cooper is supposed to 
have been the outcome of this meeting. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 37 

The Rev. William Neill was ordained and installed as the success- 
or of oSlr. Lewis in 1806. This connection was dissolved in 1809. In 
1810, the Rev John Chester was engaged for a few months to fill the 
pulpit of this church. On the 7th of February, 1811, the Rev. John 
Smith was ordained and installed as the successor of Mr. Neill. This 
connection continued until the year 1833. On the 26th day of No- 
vember, 1834, the Rev. Alfred E. Campbell was installed as the suc- 
cessor of Mr. Smith. The departure of Mr. Smith, and the causes 
which induced it, being of a spiritual character, were connected with 
a separation of this congregation into two congregations, one of which 
held its religious worship in the Court House and in the great hall 
of the Hall, the latter building being at that time unoccupied by any 
person but a keeper. This division was healed on the occasion of the 
call of Mr. Campbell, who is still the pastor of the reunited congre- 
gations. 

On the 10th day of September, 1800, Miss Cooper, the eldest 
daughter of Judge Cooper, a young lady in the 23d year of her age, 
was killed by a fall from a horse. Her funeral sermon was preached 
by the Rev. Daniel Nash of the Protestant Episcopal church, and she 
was interred according to the rites of that church, which were now 
p^formed for the first time in this village. 

^sThis young lady, who had been educated in the schools of New 
York, and who, from having accompanied her father in his official 
visits to the seat of government, was perhaps as extensively and fa- 
vorably known in the middle states as any female of her years, was 
universally regretted.) She had improved her leisure by extensive 
reading, and was a mddel of the domestic virtues. During his visit 
to this country, M. de Talleyrand passed a few days in Cooperstown, 
where he was an inmate of ttie family of Judge t ooper. The Otsego 
Herald of October 2, 1795, contains the following acrostic on Miss 
Cooper, then in her eighteenth year, which tradition ascribes to the 
celebrated diplomal. We give it as a literary curiosity, rather than as 
a very faultless specimen oi poetry, although it is quite respectable in 
the latter point of view : 

Aimable philosophe au printemps de son age, 
Ni les temps, ni les lieux n'alterent son esprit; 
Ne cedant qu' a ses gouts simple et sans etalage, 
Au milieu des deserts, elle lit, pense, ecrit. 
Cultivez, belle Anna, votre gout pour I'etude; 
On ne saurait ici mieux employer son temps; 
Otsego nest pas gai — mais, tout est habitude; 
Paris vous deplairait fort au premier moment; 
Et qui jouit de soi dans une solitude, 
Kentrant au monde, et sur d'en faire I'ornement. 



38 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

Miss Cooper was killed in the public highway, about a mile from 
the residence of General iMorris, in the town of Butternuts, where a 
monument has stood these thirty-seven years to commemorate the sad 
event. She is interred in the burying ground of her family, under a 
slab that, singularly enough, while it is inscribed by some feeling lines, 
written by her father, d jcs not even contain her name ! 

Mr. Nash, since so well known in his own church, for his apostolic 
simplicity, under the name of Father Nash, was then a missionary in 
the county. From this time he began to extend his services to Coop- 
erstown, and on the first day of January, 1811, a church was legally 
organized, under the title of Christ Church, Cooperstown. 

This was the second regularly established congregation in the place. 
On the same day, the Rev. Daniel Xash was chosen rector of Christ 
church, which office, through the delicacy of the clergyman who suc- 
ceeded him in his duties, he informally held down to the period of his 
death in 1836. In 1818, Mr. Frederick T. Tiffany was engaged by 
Christ church as a lay reader. This gentleman was admitted to 
deacon's orders in 1820, in St. John's church. New York, and to 
priest's orders in Christ church, Cooperstown, in 1828, by the Right 
Reverend Bishop Hobart, and his connection has continued with the 
church down to the present moment. 

In 1822, the Rev Dr. Orderson, a clergyman from Barbadoes, West 
Indies, officiated occasionally in the church for several months. Whilst 
here, the honorary degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by the 
faculty of Union college. 

The Methodist persuasion has had service, from time to time, for 
more than forty years in the village, occasionally with regularity, and 
at intervals, with long intermissions. From the discipline and system 
of this church, it is impossible for us to give any accurate account of 
the different clergymen employed. 

The Universalists organized their society on the 26th April, 1831, 
under the name of the Second Universalist Society of Otsego, another 
existing in the township. At this moment, this congregation possesses 
about eighty members. The Rev. Job Potter was the first pastor, 
having been installed in 1831. He was succeeded by the Rev. O. 
W^histon in July, 1836. 

The Baptist church was organized the 21st January, 1834 ; Rev. 
Lewis Raymond who still officiates, being the first pastor. This sect 
has occasionally had service in the village for near forty years also, the 
baptisms near Otsego rock being of frequent occurrence about the 
commencement of the century. 

The first edifice constructed for religious worship in the villnge of 
Cooperstown was erected by the Presbyterians', on the east side 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 39 

of West street, between Third and Fourth streets, in 1805. It is 
of wood, being 64 feet long by 50 feet in width, having a tower and 
cupola ninety feet high. In 1835, this building was extensively altered 
and repaired, and it continues to be the place of worship of its con- 
gregation. This denomination purchased the house that stands on the 
southeast corner of Third and West streets for a parsonage, in 1838, 
for the sum of .^1,600. 

In 1807, the Episcopalians erected a brick building 54 feet long and 
4' ' feet wide, as their place of worship. It was consecrated by the 
Right Reverend Bishop Moore, on the eighth day of July. 1810, — 
This building stands on the west side of Water street, also between 
Third and Fourth streets, and in a line with the house first named. 
This denomination built a rectory on the southwest corner of Water 
and Third streets, or adjoining the churchyard, in 1832. The latter 
buil ing cost about ;^1,200, exclusively of the lot. 

The Methodists erected a wooden building with a tower, having no 
spire or cupola, on the west side of Chestnut street, in 1817. It has 
never been painted, and the service in it is still very irregular. 

In 1833. the Universalists erected a wooden building on the north- 
east corner of Third and West streets, with a tower and pinnacles. It 
is 50 feet long and 38 wide, and stands on the site of the old Acade- 
my, the latter building having been destroyed by fire on the 31st day 
of March, 1809. This church with the lot, cost about $3,000. 

The B.iptists erected a church in 1835-6. It is 54 feet by 40, and 
has a dome 60 feet high. The house and lot cost about .^3,000. 

'I'hese five buildings are all that have ever been erected for the pur- 
poses of public woi-ship, in the village, and they are all now standing. 



40 HISTORY OF G00PER8T0WN. 



CHAPTER Y. 

Between the yeai-s 1795 and 1803 the growth of (^ooperstown was 
gradual but steady. A document exists to show that in January of 
the latter year, the village contained seventy-five dwelling houses, 
thirty-four barns, and three hundred and forty-nine inhabitants. No 
account exists of the number of stores and shops, which probably 
would have raised the total of the buildings, exclusively of barns, 
&c., to about one hundred. The families were not yet large, as this 
account gives less than five souls to each dwelling house. 

Apple hill was early selected by Richard Fenimore Cooper, Esquire, 
as the site for a house, and during the summer of 1800, he caused the 
present building to be erected. This was the second house in the 
place that was erected off the line of the streets, or which had the 
character of a villa. 

John Miller erected a house in bricks, in the summer of 1802, also. 
It stands on his farm, but within the present limits of the village, 
and is the second building in the place that was not constructed of 
wood. 

In 1804, Judge Cooper caused a stone dwelling to be constructed 
on the southwest corner of Water and Second streets, for his daugh- 
ter, who was then married to Mr. George Pomeroy, a native of Mas- 
sachusetts, who had become a resident of the place in the year 1801. 
This was the first stone building in the village. 

Between the years 1795 and 1802, John Russell, Elijah H. Metcalf 
and Robert Campbell, Esquires, also became residents of Cooperstown, 
in which place they have since held conspicuous social or political 
stations. All three of these gentlemen married in the village, and 
their descendants in the second and third generations, now form a 
portion of its population. Judge Metcalf died in 1821, but the other 
two are still living. Mr. Russell was the second member of congress 
ever elected from the place, and Mr. Metcalf was in the legislature of 
the State two terms. 

In 1801, a man dressed in a sailors jacket, without stockings or 
neckcloth, but cleanly and otherwise of respectable appearance, and 
who seemed to be between forty and fifty, presented himself to Judge 
Cooper, with a request to know whether a small piece of low meadow 
land, that lies between Fenimore and the village, was to be sold. 
The answer was in the affirmative, but the applicant was informed 
that, on account of its position, the price would be relatively high, 
amounting to a considerable sum. The stranger requested that a 



HISTORV OF COOPERSTOWN. 41 

deed might immediately be made of it, and he counted down the 
money in gold, giving his name as P]saias Hausman. Mr. Ilausman 
left the Hall the owner of the lot in question, which has ever since 
been known as the Hausman lot. The habits, attainments and 
cliaracter of this man soon attracted attention. He spoke five or six 
of the living languages, and had a tolerable knowledge of the classics. 
He lived entirely alone, in a small house he had caused to be built on 
his purchase, and in the rudest manner. Occasionally he would dis- 
appear, and his absences sometimes extended to months. He fre- 
quently spoke of his past life, though it is not known that he ever 
gave any connected or explicit history of his origin, or of the events 
that led him to America. According to his own accounts of his a<l- 
ventures, he had served in the imperial army, and he was once heard 
to say that the death of Robespierre alone saved him from the block. 
Casual remarks of this nature increased curiosity, when Hausman 
became more reserved, and he soon ceased to touch at all on the events 
of his past life. Sometime about the year 1805, he had been absent 
for several months, when it was discovered that he was teaching He- 
brew to the President of one of the eastern colleges. This occu- 
pation did not last long, however, for he was soon back again in his 
hut on the lake shore. In this manner this singular man passed many 
years, apparently undetermined in his purposes, rude and even coarse 
in many of his habits, but always courteous and intelligent. He died 
in Herkimer in 1812, and without making any particular revelations 
concerning himself or his family. As he died intestate, his property 
escheated, the lot on tlie shore of the lake being sold by the public. 
It is said that a considerable sum in gold was found in a purse that 
he wore between his shoulder blades. 

Nothing further was ever known of Esaias Hausman. He was cer- 
tainly shrewd and observant, and his acquisitions, which were a little 
exaggerated, probably, by vulgar report, were of that kind which de- 
notes in Europe, a respectable education. He had not the appearance 
or manners of a Polish gentlemen, for he called himself a Pole, and 
the most probable conjecture concerning him, a conjecture that we 
believe is sustained by some of his own remarks, made him a Jew. 
The name is German, but the people of that persuasion often assume 
new appellations. 

The estate which is bounded by the Susquehanna and lake Otsego, 
on the west, belonged to Henry Bowers, Esquire. On the death of 
this gentleman, it descended to his only son, John M. Bowers. Esquire. 
At a very early period, the land immediately ai'ound the outlet, and 
of course opposite to Cooperstown, was cleared and a farm house 
erected. On his marriage, however, Mr. Bowers determined to reside 



42 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

on his property, and to build at this spot. He came into the village 
in 1803, accordingly", where he resided, for a short time, and com- 
menced the construction of the present house at Lakelands. This 
building was erected in 1804, and its proprietor took possession of it 
in 1805. Since that time it has continued to be the residence of the 
gentleman who caused the house to be built. This place is not within 
the limits of Cooperstown, or even in the township of Otsego, but 
standing within musket shot of the former, its inhabitants properly 
belong to our community. 

In 1797, the Masons erected a hall on the northeast corner of Front 
and West streets, which is still standing. 

The population of Cooperstown underwent essential changes, be- 
tween the years 180'* and 1806. All the lawyers originally settled in 
the village, without an exception, had removed, and their places had 
been supplied by a new set. The same alterations also occurred among 
the merchants, who have frequently changed since the settlement of 
the country. Of the latter, Mr. Lawrence McNamee, who opened a 
store in the village in 1802, is the only one who has continued in the 
same occupation, and in the same place, down to the present time. 

The only bookstore in the village, or that has ever been in the village, 
that of the Messrs. Phinney, has been continued since 1795, also, in 
the same family. 

Between the years 1800 and 1810, the growth of the village, with- 
out being rapid, was regular and respectable. Many places that, a few 
years previously, were much inferior to it in size and wealth, now be- 
gan to surpass it, but its own population gradually grew easier in their 
circumstances, and, as a matter of course, enlarged their manner of 
living. Still, the people depended chiefly on the trade of the few 
adjoining towns, on the presence of the county buildings, and on such 
of the more ordinary manufactures as found consumers in the vicinity. 

On the 22d December, 1809, died William Cooper, Esquire, the 
original proprietor, after whom the village was named. Judge Cooper 
was in his fifty-sixth year at the time of his death, and his connection 
with the place had continued near twenty four years. For nine- 
teen he had been a regular inhabitant of the village. He died in 
Albany, and was interred in the burying ground of his family, in 
Christ church yard. To the enterprise, energy and capacity of this 
gentleman, the county of Otsego is more indebted for its rapid settle- 
ment, than to those of any other person. 

A law was passed in 1806, for the erection of a new court house 
and jail for the county of Otsego. The commissioners appointed for 
that purpose selected the spot a little remote from the center of the 
village, on the south side of the turnpike, and west of Chestnut street. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 43 

Here a building was constructed in 1806-7. It is 56 feet long and 50 
feet wide, and has been used ever since for the public service. It is 
of bricks, and the court room is capacious and convenient. The jail 
is in the lower story, and is crowded and inconvenient. The jailer has 
also rooms in the building. 

A fire-proof County Clerk's office was constructed near the court 
house, in 1814. 

The removal of the court house to the extreme western limits of 
the place, has had no sensible effect on the direction taken by the vil- 
lage in its growth, but a very few houses having been since erected 
in that quarter of the town. The old court house, jail and tavern, on 
the east corner of Second and West streets, were torn down in 1810, 
and a range of brick stores was erected on the lot in 1811. 

In the year 1803, a market house was erected in the center of Fair 
street, about half way between Front and Second streets. The at- 
tempt to induce the butchers and the people of the surrounding 
country to use it, however, failed, and the building was removed into 
West street, and converted into a school house, in 1809, or soon after 
the destruction ot the Academy by fire. 

On the 3d day of April, 1807, a law was passed authorizing the 
inhabitants of the village of Cooperstown. to elect trustees, under an 
act of incorporation, which styled the place The Village of Otsego. 
This change of name arose from party politics, and the majority of 
the inhabitants of the village being opposed to the measure, elected 
trustees, who rendered the law a dead letter, by declining to do any 
thing under its provisions. 

June 12th, 1812, a new act was passed, incorporating the place, by 
the name of The Village of Cooperstown, under which law, the peo- 
ple proceeded immediately to organize the local government. By the 
act of incorporation, as since amended, the people elect annually five 
trustees, who choose their own president. The people also elect a 
clerk and treasurer, three as essors, a path master, and constable. The 
board of tru:tees possesses powers to pass by-laws for the security of 
the village, in cases of fire ; to prevent obstructions in the streets, or 
other nuisances ; f r regulating the streets ; for lighting the same ; 
erecting public pounds, and for making wharves, docks, &c.. &c. No 
taxes, however, exceeding four hundred dollars in total amount shall 
be laid in any one year. The village charter was amended April 30, 
1829, the limits of the corporation being considerably extended. By 
the plan of Judge Cooper, the village plat originally contained one 
hundred and twelve acres, as has been stated, whereas the present 
boundaries probably include more than four hundred acres, though not 



44 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

more than a third of this surface can be said to be actually occupied 
by the streets and dwellings. 

In L812, at the time of the incorporation of the place, Cooperstown 
contained 133 houses, &c., 57 barns and 686 inhabitants. January, 

1816, there were 183 houses, offices, shops, 68 barns, 826 inhabitants. 
A small fire engine was purchased by the village, in 1812, and a 

second was presented to it by the heirs of Judge Cooper, in 1815. 

The business of Cooperstown became enlarged in consequence of the 
establishment of manufactories, in its vicinity. This enterprise was 
commenced in 18 9, by the erection of the Union cotton manufactory, 
on the Oaks ; since that time, many other similar works have been 
constructed in the neighborhood. In the village itself, works of vari- 
ous kinds have been gradually established, increasing the wealth and 
adding to the industry of the place. 

After the erection of the range of stores on the old court house lot, 
a better style of buildings was introduced for similar purposes. Since 
that time, most of the stores, and many of the principal shops, have 
been constructed in brick or stone. 

The late Isaac Cooper, Esq., commenced the house called Edgewa- 
ter, in 1810, and removed into it in 1814. This building, which is 
&& feet long, by 45 in width, is one of the best in the place. 

The residence of Mr. Henry Phinney,on Chestnut street, was com- 
menced in 1813, and completed in 1816. This is also one of the 
principal dwellings in the village. 

Richard Fenimore Cooper, Esq., died in Albany, in March, 1813, 
and was brought to this place for interment. This gentleman, when 
a youth, accompanied his father to Otsego, and was one of the oldest 
inhabitants of the village. His son and grandchildren still exist in 
the place. 

In 1808, a second newspaper, William Andrews, editor, was es- 
tablished under the name of the Impartial Observer. This print soon 
passed into the hands of John H. Prentiss, Esq., and its name was 
changed to that of Cooperstown Federalist. At a still later day the 
title of this paper was changed to that of the Freeman s Journal, un- 
der which appellation it is still known. With the exception of a 
short interval, the same editor and proprietor has been at the head of 
the establishment, for about twenty-nine years. 

A paper called the Watch Tower, was set up in opposition to the 
Cooperstown Federalist, in 1814, Israel W. Clark, editor. In May, 

1817, this paper was transferred to Edward B. Crandal, who remained 
its editor until its discontinuance, in 1831. 

The Tocsin was established in 1829, but took the name of the 
10 Republican in 1831, under which title it still exists. 



HIS TORT OF C00PER8T0WN. 45 

In July, 1813, died Elihu Phinney, Esq., aged fifty-eight. The ar- 
rival of this gentleman in the village has already been mentioned. 
Mr. Phinney was one of the judges of the county court for several 
years, and continued to control the Otsego Herald to the period of his 
death. The paper was published by his sons H. k E. Phinney until 
the year 1821, when it was discontinued, after an existence of 26 
years. 

In 1814. the children of Augustine and Susannah Prevost,who had 
purchased the judgment of John Morton, against their grandfather, 
George Croghan. which was the oldest judgment on record, attempted 
to revive the same by scire facias against all the terre-tenants on 
<^'ooper"s patent. This measure of course made all the freeholders in 
the village parties in the suit. The executors of Judge Cooper, how- 
ever, managed the defence. The proceedings connected with this 
lawsuit, lasted several years, when they were discontinued in conse- 
quence of the statute of limitations. As the heirs of Susannah Pre- 
vost, who was the devisee of George Croghan, held assets to more 
than the amount of the judgment, in consequence of a failure of title 
through informality, under one of the judgment sales against their 
ancestor, there can be no doubt that had the issue been tried on its 
merits, the defendants would have prevailed, without having recourse 
to the agreement of 1775, according to which, the lands were to have 
been sold, firstly to satisfy the judgment of Gov. Franklin, or that 
under which the terre-tenants held, secondly, to pay the mortgage of 
Thomas Wharton, and lastly, to satisfy- this very judgment, which it 
was now attempted to revive, after a lapse of forty years. 

On two several occasions? officers of the federal government estab- 
lished recruiting parties in this village. The first was in 1799, dur- 
ing the rpinsi war with France ; Lieut. Joseph C. Cooper, who suc- 
ceeded in enlisting about thirty men in the county, commanding the 
party. The second occasion occurred during the war of 1812, when 
a considerable detachment of riflemen was recruited in the vicinity, 
and collected in the village, under Capt. Grosvenor. 

In the way of irregular troops, there have been several volunteer 
corps in Cooperstown, though none of any permanency, with the ex- 
ception of the artillery. The first artillery company was established 
in 1798. William Abbot, captain, Samuel Huntington, first lieuten- 
ant, and George AValkei'. second. The pieces of this company entirely 
supplanted the Cricket, and since that time the villagers have never 
been without regular brass guns for their parades and festivals. 

A volunteer company of horse was established in 1794, Captain 
Benjamin Grifiin, commandant. Many persons now living, can recol- 
lect a celebrated sham fight between this cavalry and a party of men 



46 HISTOnr OF COOPERSTOWK 

disguised as Indians. The charges of the horse, on that occasion, are 
described as having been infinitely severe. At that time, the log 
fences, a good deal decayed, inclosed a great portion of the two prin- 
cipal blocks of the place, and the manner in which the cavalry got 
over them and through them, probably caused as much surprise to 
themselves as to the spectators. In this part of the field especially, 
the Indians are said to have discovered much the greatest address, al- 
though both parties, as usual, claimed the victory. 

The first regular organization of the militia, in this part of the 
country, appears to have taken place in the year 1798, although de- 
tached companies existed previously. Jacob Morris, Esq., of Butter- 
nuts, was the first brigadier-general appointed, and Francis Henry, 
Esq., the first colonel of the regiment which included the village. 
John Howard was the first caj)tain of the ordinary militia company 
of the beat. Capt. Howard was unfortunately drowned in the Sus- 
quehanna the next year, in making a noble effort to save a person who 
had got beneath some fioodwood, and he was succeeded by William 
Sprague. 

For a long time after the commencement of the village. Coopers- 
town suflfered but little from fires ; several small buildings, it is true, 
were burned at different times, but the first considerable conflagration 
occurred on the night of the 30th of March, 1809, when the printing 
office of H. tl^ E. Fhinney took fire. The flames were communicated 
to anew dwelling house belonoing to William Dowse, Esq., and both 
were consumed. These buildings stood on West street. The next 
day the Academy was also destroyed in tli^ same way, and no attempt 
has ever been made to rebuild it. 

A dwelling house and store, standing on Second street, and occu- 
pied by Joseph Wilkinson, were destroyed by fire, March 17, 1814. 

A long range of storehouses belonging to the estate of Judge 
Cooper, also standing on Second street, was burned down in the win- 
ter of 181.3. A part of this range was composed of the old Manor 
House, which had been converted into a storehouse. 

The next considerable conflagration occurred on the night of the 
27th of April, 1818, when a fire broke out in the hatter's shop of 
Ralph Worthington, and it was not subdued until it had consumed 
all tlie buildings on the north side of Second street, between the west 
corner of Fair street and the alley called Beaver alley, making six 
buildings altogether. This is much the most considerable fire that 
ever occurred within the limits of the village. 

But the summer of 1823, was a serious time for the inhabitants of 
the village of C^ooperstown. A succession of fires took place, under 
circumstances that scarce leave a doubt that they were mostly, if not 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. An 

entirely, the acts of an incendiary. The Tannery was consumed on 
the night of the 12th July. On a thorough examination of the facts, 
it was generally believed it had been set on fire. A stone house, 
which had been erected at Fenimore, by J. Fenimore Cooper, P_]sq.. 
between the years 1814 and 1817, was the next consumed. This 
place which, like Lakelands, stands without the village limits, prop- 
erly belongs to the village community, and the principal dwelling 
was of considerable size and of a good finish, having all the conven- 
iences of a country residence. The house was not completed nor in- 
habited, though it contained all the wood work and a large amount 
of valuable lumber. As it stood quite alone in the center of an ex- 
tensive lawn, there can be but little doubt that it was set on fire. 
This house was destroyed to the naked walls. 

Several barns which stood in the most compact parts of the village 
soon followed. Fortunately the injury, in few of these cases, extended 
beyond the buildings which first took fire. The inctndiury, or incen- 
diaries, were never satisfactorily discovered, though plausible conjec- 
tures have been made. 

Since the recent alterations and repairs of the Hall have been going 
on, a window has been opened and a place has been discovered where 
tinder, oiled cotton, burnt matches and other combustibles were lying 
together, leaving little doubt that one if not more attempts were made 
to destroy that building also, and probably about the same time. 

4'here are other instances in which there is reason to suppose that 
incendiaries had been at work in the village, one of which is a recent 
case of fire in the court house. This building was discovered to be on 
fire about four o'clock on the morning of the 24th of May, 1837, but 
the flames were subdued before they had done much injury. One of 
tlie pri.soners in the jail was suopected of having set the building on 
tire, though the charge could not be substantiated. 

Of late, scarcely a year passes without one or more fires, which us- 
ually proceed from defective or badly secured stove pipes, but no 
structure of any importance has been consumed. Indeed, it is the 
subject of surprise that no considerable dwelling house has ever been 
destroyed by tire within the village of Cooperstown, with the excep- 
tion of that of Mr. Dowse and of one or two of secondary value and 
size, which were burned in the great fire of 1818. Almost every other 
building that has been burned, has been either a shop, barn, or store. 

Cisterns for the collection of water have been sunk in the streets ; 
hooks and ladders, fire buckets and hose are provided, and considering 
the size of the place, the provisions against fire are respectable. The 
firemen have usually been found active and bold, and cases have often 
occurred in which they have saved large portions of the village. 



48 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 



CFIAPTER VL 

The size of Cooperstown received considerable accessions between 
the years 1805 and 1820. Several young lawyers established them- 
selves in the place, among whom were William Dowse, George Morell, 
Samuel Starkweather, Joseph S. Lyman, Eben B. Morehouse, H. Flagg, 
and A. L. Jordan, Esquires. Mr. Morell removed to Michigan in 1832, 
and is at present one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of that 
state. Mr. Lyman was elected to Congress in 1818, but died during 
his term of service. Mr. Dowse was also elected a Member of < "on- 
gress at a still earlier day, but never took his seat, having died previ- 
ously to the meeting of that body. Messrs. Jordan and Flagg removed 
from the village after a few years' residence. Mr. Flagg died in one 
of the southern states, shortly after he left here. 

The village has given the following Members to the Congress of the 
United States, to wit : William Cooper, who was first elected in 1 794 ; 
John Russell, Esq., who was elected in 18' 4; John M. Bowers, Esq., 
who sat part of a session in 1813-14, but lost his seat in consequence 
of a decision of the House ; William Dowse, Esq., elected in 1812, 
and died as already mentioned ; Joseph S. Lynian, Esq., elected in 
1818, and died in 1821 ; and John H. Prentiss, Esq., who is the sitting 
member. 

The county of Otsego has for several years compo.sed a Congress- 
ional District by itself, and of eleven Members chosen at different 
periods from the county, six have been residents of Cooperstown. 

Several other gentlemen became residents of the place during the 
period already mentioned, and continued to increase and improve its 
society ; among these were Messrs. Edmeston, Atchison, Augustine 
Prevost, and G. W. Prevost A singular fatality attended the first 
three of these gentlemen. Col Prevost was lost in the well known 
shipwreck of the Albion packet. .Mr. Edmeston was drowned while 
bathing, and Mr. Atchison fell by his own hand during ari access of 
fever. Neither of these melancholy events occurred in the village 

Five deaths by drowning, in tlie lake, have occurred among the in- 
habitants of the village since the settlement of the place. 

The village was much improved by the fire of 1818 ; stone and 
brick buildings having been principally erected in the place of those 
destroyed . 

'I'he first public house in Cooperstown, as has been said already, was 
kept by William Ellison, on Water street, near the outlet. But the 
first public house of any note, was the old Red Lion, kept by Joseph 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 49 

Griffin, on the projecting corner of West and Second streets. This 
building, which at different times has been much enlarged, repaired 
and improved, has continued to be one of the principal inns of the 
place for forty-six years. The old sign, which was painted by an ama- 
teur artist, R. R. Smith, Esq., the first sheriff of the county, stood for 
many years, but to the great regret of the older inhabitants of the 
place, it has been made to disappear before some of the more ambi- 
tious improvements of the day, the house being now called the Eagle 
Tavern. 

The second public house of any consequence, was the Blue Anchor, 
kept by William Cook, on the corner diagonally opposite to the Red 
Lion ; this house was in much request for many years among all the 
genteeler portion of the travelers. Its host was a man of singular 
humors, great heartiness of character, and perfect integrity. He had 
been the steward of an English East-lndiaman, and enjoyed an envia- 
ble reputation in the village for his skill in mixing punch and flip. 
On holidays, a stranger would have been apt to mistake him for one 
of the magnates of the land, as he invariably appeared in a drab coat 
of the style of 1776, with buttons as large as dollars, breeches, striped 
stockings, buckles that covered half his foot, and a cocked hat large 
enough to extinguish him. 'I'he landlord of the Blue Anchor was a 
general favorite, his laugh and his pious oaths having become his- 
torical. 

There were many other taverns in the place, the most considerable 
of which was Washington Hall. It stood on the north side of Sec- 
ond street, one door from the corner of Fair street. This house at 
one period was in more request than any other in the place, but not 
until the functions of the popular landlord of the Blue Anchor had 
ceased. 

In 1832, the house adjoining the old Washington Hall was removed, 
and a spacious inn was erected on its site ; this is at the eastern cor- 
ner of Second and Fair streets, and the inn i.s known by the name of 
Union Hall. 

A tavern was kept by Daniel Olendorf, on the northeast corner of 
• Second and Chestnut streets for several years. This house was prob- 
ably in more demind than any other that has been kept in the village, 
but it was discontinued in the early part of the present year, though 
it is still in request as a boarding house. The Eagle Tavern and 
Union Hall are now the two princi})al inns of the place, the first being 
the stage house. 

According to the census of 18i0, the population of the village had 
increased to l,00ii, and in 1825 it was reduced to 857, while in 1830 it 
was 1,1 15. By the census of 1835, it was found to be 1,H)(). The 



50 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

growth of the village has been in some degree retardeii by the mania 
for western emigration and there was a period at the commencement 
of the century, when Judge Cooper made large drafts on this village 
and the surrounding country, for settlers on his other estates. The 
law abolishing imprisonment for debt, has also had a tendency to 
lessen the population of this village, in common with those of all the 
small county towns in the interior. 

Notwithstanding the apparent stagnation in the place, Cooperstown 
has actually been greatly improved within the last fifteen years. Sev- 
eral houses have been erected in brick or stone, of respectable dimen- 
sions and of genteel finish ; among these that of Mr. Elihu Phinney on 
West street, that of Mr. William Nichols on Fair street, that of Mr. 
Ellery Cory, also on West street, and that of Mr. John Hannay, on 
Second street, are among the most considerable. The last three are of 
stone. 

A law was passed on the 8th day of April, 1830, incorporating a 
bank, by the title of the Otsego County Bank, and a stone banking- 
house was erected on the south side of Second street, nearly opposite 
to Fair street, in 1831. This bank has a capital of one hundred 
thousand dollars, and Robert Campbell and Henry Scott, Esquires 
both old and respectable inhabitants of the village, have been its pres- 
ident and cashier, since the formation of the institution. This incor- 
poration has been well managed, and as it has been found very service- 
able to the community, while it has escaped the imputations that rest 
on so many similar establishments in other places, it is in favor with 
all the intelligent part of the population. 

Few of the very early heads of families in the village now remain j 
many of those even, who came in about the close of the last or the be- 
ginning of the present century, are already dead, and several of those 
who accompanied their parents as children, have followed them to the 
grave. Isaac Cooper, Esq., the second son of the proprietor, who for 
many years was an active inhabitant of the village, and who contrib- 
uted little less than his father, to its improvement and embellishment, 
died on the 1st of January, 1818. His two brothers, William and 
Samuel, survived him but a short time. 

Thomas Shankland, Esq., died 21st August, 1823, and his wife 
Rachel, 21st October, 1826. He was the owner of the mills south of 
the village at the time of his death. 

James Averell, Esq., whose activity in business has been already 
mentioned, died as lately as December, 1836. His wife having pre- 
ceded him to the grave about two yeare. 

Dr. Thomas Fuller, whose practice in the village commenced in 
1791 , died on the 11th July, 1837. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 51 

Mr. Joshua Starr, another of the old inhabitants, died the 17th 
February, 1838, and his wife on the 5th May, 1837. 

Mr. Ralph Worthington and Mr. John Frederick Ernst, both re- 
spectable residents for a long time, died early, the first on the 9th 
September. 1828, and the second, on the 29th Novembt-r, 1830. 

Descendants of all these families exist in the second and third, and 
in some cases, in the fourth generations. 

The families longest resident in Cooperstown, are the following, the 
date of the connection with the place being put opposite to the name 
of each, viz : Cooper, 1 785-1 79i' ; Millei:, 178G ; Averell, 1786-1788 ; 
White, 1788; Baldwin, 1790; Fuller, 1791; Starr, 1792 ; Griffin, 
1792 ; Ingalls, 1793 ; Graves, 1 793 ; Phinney, 1795 ; Russell, 1796 ; 
Ernst, 1799 ; Metcalf, 1799 ; Bowden, 1799 ; Pomeroy, 1801 ; Camp- 
bell, 1802 ; Worthington, 1802 ; McXamee, 18()2 ; Olendorf, 1802 ; 
Foote, 18(14; Scott, 1805; Prentiss, 1808, &c., &c., kc. To these 
may be added several families that have long been settled in the ad- 
joining country, and of which some of the members now reside in the 
village. Among the latter, we tind the names of Fitch, 1790-1814 ; 
Clark, 179G-18i2; Jarvis, 1786-1832 ; Stowel, 1792-1822 ; Double- 
day, 1794-1821 : Luce, 1788-183<i. The family of Bowers may also 
be enumerated, though not within the village limits, coming in 1803. 
Of the above mentioned names, Messrs. Miller, Wliite, Baldwin. Rus- 
sell, Griffin, Bowden, Campbell, Pomeroy, Foote. McNamee, Scott, 
Olendorf and Prentiss, the original head of each family, are still living, 
as is also Mr Bowers. 

John Miller is now, and indeed, for a long time has been, the oldest 
iiving settler. His children own the property Avhich he first cleared 
from the forest. James Wliite. a carpenter, well known for his in- 
dustry and hard application to his work, is the next oldest settler, and 
Joseph Baldwin, cooper, is the third ; the fourth male is James Feni- 
more Cooper, Esquire. This gentleman was born 1789, and in 1790, 
was brought an infant, a year old, into the village, with the family of 
Judge Cooper, of which he was the youngest child. His sister, INLrs. 
Pomeroy, is the longest resident among the females, neither of those 
already named as older inhabitants, her own father excepted, having 
been married at the time of the arrival of her family. The next oldest 
female resident, we believe to be the wife of Joseph Baldwin. 

Of descendants, there have been four generations of the Cooper 
family in the place, from father to son. This is the only instance, we 
believe, in which the fourth generation has yet been reached in the 
same name, though it has been several times done through females. 
The grand-children of the older settlers are in active life, however, in 
very many instances^ 



f)2 HISTORY OF COOPEBSTOWN. 

The following names belong to families, that may now be considered 
as old inhabitants, though their residence is of comparatively recent 
date, viz : E. Cory, Gregory, Nichols, G. A. Starkweather, Waterman, 
Paul, Perkins, Tracey, Wilson, Spafard, Lewis, Besancon, H. Cory, 
Cooley and Davis. 

Some of the members of these families are now among the most re- 
spectable and useful inhabitants of the place. 

In 1825, Samuel Nelson, Esquire, the judge of the circuit court, 
married the only daughter of Judge Russell, and became an inhabitant 
of Cooperstown. Judge Nelson resided some time at Apple hill, but 
in 1829 he purchased Feniraore, and enlarging the farm-house, he con- 
verted it into a spacious and convenient dwelling. The walls of the 
ruins left by the fire of 1823, were removed in 1826, and no traces of 
that situation now remain, but its foundations. Judge Nelson was 
promoted to the bench of the Supreme Court in 1833, and in 1836, he 
became its chief justice. 

John A. Dix, Esquire, the present Secretary of State, purchased 
Apple Hill of the heirs of R. Fenimore Cooper, Esq., in 1 828, but 
sold it to Levi C. Turner, Esq., at his removal to Albany, on his being 
appointed Adjutant-General. Mr. Turner is married to the daughter 
of Robert Campbell, Esq., and is the present owner of that beautiful 
situation. 

In 1829, Ebeu B. Morehouse, Esquire, purchased a few acres of Mr- 
Bowers, on the side of the Vision, at the point where the old state 
road made its first turn to ascend the mountain, and caused a hand- 
some dwelling in stone to be constructed. This place, which has 
received the appropriate name of Woodside. has been extensively em- 
bellished, and as it enjoys the advantage of possessing a beautiful pine 
grove, it is generally esteemed one of the most desirable residences of 
the neighborhood. In 1836, Mr. Morehouse sold Woodside to Samuel 
Wootton Beall, Esquire, a native of Maryland, who had married into 
the family of Cooper. 

After the death of the late Isaac Cooper, Esquire, the house at 
Edgewater was sold. An abortive attempt was made to get up a fe- 
male school, and this house was altered, in order to meet such an ob- 
ject. This project failed, and in 1834, the property was sold to Theo- 
dore Keese, Esquiro, of New York, by whom it has been repaired, and 
the grounds restored to their original beauty, and indeed improved. 
Mr. Keese uses Edgewater as a summer residence, having married into 
the family of Pomeroy. 

The Hall having passed into the hands of J. Fenimore Cooper, Es- 
quire, that gentleman, shortly after his return from Europe, or in 1834- 
had it extensively repaired, and a good deal altered. The roof load 



HISTORY OF COOFERSTOWN. 53 

rotted, aud it was replaced by a new one on the old inclination, but 
the walls of the building were raised four feet. On these were placed 
battlements and heavy cornices in brick, that add altogether eight feet 
to the elevation of the building. The distance between the rows of 
the windows was increased three feet, by filling in the lower ends of 
the upper windows, and by placing new stools, the necessary height 
having been obtained above. Afuch ornamental brick work has been 
added, and the effect has been altogether advantageous. All the floors 
of the second story have also been raised, giving to the principal rooms 
a better height than they formerly possessed, while those above have 
been improved the same way, by the addition to the general height of 
the building. Appropriate entrances have been made on both fronts, 
that are better suited to the style of architecture and to the climate 
than the ancient stoops, and two low towers have been added to the 
east end, which contribute greatly to the comfort of the house, as a 
residence. The improvements and alterations are still proceeding 
slowly, and this dwelling, which for ten or twelve years was nearly de- 
serted, promises to be one of the best country houses in the state 
again. The grounds have also been enlarged and altered, the present 
possessor aiming at what is called an English garden. During the life 
of Judge Cooper, these grounds contained about, three acres, but they 
are now enlarged to near five. 

Great improvements have been made in the streets of late years, 
which have been accurately graded, and in some instances the side- 
walks have been flagged. The carriage ways are smooth, in general, 
and we believe no stump now remains in any of the public avenues. 
There is a deficiency in the supply of water, however, Cooperstown 
being less abundantly furnished with this great necessary in 1 838 than 
it was forty years ago ; for at that time, log aqueducts were led under 
ground, from the western mountain into the village. Wells are 
numerous, though the water is usually hard, and unsuited to domestic 
purposes ; luckily there are several excellent springs within the circle 
of the houses, and from these the inhabitants obtain most of their 
supplies. A law was passed in 1827, to incorporate a company to 
supply the place with water, and it is to be hoped that the day is not 
distant when its very desirable objects will be carried into effect. 



54 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 



CHAPTER VIL 

Having now given the simple and brief annals of the place, from 
the time when the site of Oooperstown was a wilderness, down to the 
present moment, we shall close our labors, with a more general account 
of its actual condition, trusting that posterity will not permit any- 
period to extend beyond the memory of man, without adding to that 
which has been here given, in order that there may always exist au- 
thentic local annals, for the information and uses of those most inter- 
ested. 

The village of Oooperstown stands in the 44tho of north latitude, 
and as near as can be ascertained from maps, in the TGth*^ of longi- 
tude, west from Greenwich. It contains within the corporate limits, 
according to an enumeration that has been made expressly for this 
work, the following buildings, viz. : 

Dwelling Houses 169 Churches 5 

Stores 20 Bank 1 

Shops 42 Court House 1 

Offices 14 Engine House 1 

Total, 253 

To these buildings may be added between sixty and eighty barns, 
carriage-houses, stables and minor constructions, that stand in the rear 
of the lots The buildings of Lakelands, Woodside, and Fenimore,all 
of which places, though quite near the village, stand without its legal 
limits, are also omitted in this enumeration. If these latter, and some 
ten or twelve dwelling-houses that stand between Fenimore and 
Cooperstown, be included, the total number of buildings of all sorts, 
would not be far from three hundred and fifty. 

The population does not probably vary much from 1,300 souls at 
the present moment. 

Cooperstown is better built than common, for a village of its size. 
Of the dwelling-houses, there are a good many of stone or brick, as 
there are also stores and shops. In the whole, near forty of the build- 
ings are of one or the other of these materials. Many of the dwell- 
ings, besides those particularly named, are genteelly finished, and 
would be considered respectable habitations even in the larger 
towns. 

The village is beautifully placed at the southern end of the lake, 
being bounded on one side l3y its shores, and on another by its outlet, 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 55 

the -Susquehanna. The banks of both these waters are sufficiently- 
elevated, varying from twenty to forty feet. Apple hill probably 
stands sixty or seventy feet above the river, which it almost over- 
hangs. There is an irregular descent from the rear of the town 
towards the banks of the lake, and which has been brought to a regu- 
lar grading in some of the streets running north and south. The 
place is clean, the situation is dry, and altogether it is one of the 
healthiest residences in the State. 

Lake Otsego is a sheet of limpid water, extending, in a direction 
from N. N. East to S. S. AVest, about nine miles, and varying in 
width from about three-quarters of a mile to a mile and a half. It 
has many bays and points, and as the first are giaceful and sweeping, 
and the last low and wooded, they contribute largely to its beauty. 
The water is cool and deep, and the fish are consequently firm and 
sweet. The two ends of the lake, without being shallow, deepen their 
water gradually, but there are places on its eastern side in particu- 
lar, where a large ship might float with her yards in the forest. I'he 
greatest ascertained depth is at a place about two miles from the 
village, where bottom has been got with a line of one hundred and 
fifty feet. There are probable spots of a still greater depth. The 
fish of the Otsego have a deserved reputation, and, at particular sea- 
sons, are taken in great abundance. Among those that are edible, 
may be mentioned the following, viz. : the lake fish, or salmon trout, 
the bass, eels, perch, sun-fish, pickerel, cat-fish, or bull-pouts, and 
suckers. The river has the white fish, and many of the small neigh- 
boring streams are richly supplied with common trout. The trout is 
little, if any, inferior to the salmon, and has been caught as large as 
from twenty to thirty pounds ; those that weigh from eight to twelve 
pounds are not uncommon. The bass, or Otsego bass, is also a deli- 
cious fish, resembling the white fish of the great lakes. The pickerels 
and the eels are both excellent of their kind, and very abundant in 
their seasons. 

The shores of the Otsego are generally high, though greatly varied. 
On the eastern side, extends a range of steep mountains, that varies 
in height from four to six hundred feet, and which is principally in 
forest, though here and there a farm relieves its acclivities. 'I'he 
road along this side of the lake is peculiarly pleasant, and traveled 
persons call it one of the most strikingly picturesque roads within 
their knowledge. The western shore of the lake is also high, though 
more cultivated. As the whole country possesses much wood, the 
farms, viewed across the water, on this side of the lake, resemble 
English park scenery. Some of the glimpses of the settlement, which 
has obtained the name of Pier's from the circumstance that several 



56 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN'. 

farmers of that family originally purchased lands there, are singular- 
ly beautiful, even as seen from the village. 

Immediately opposite to the village, on the eastern side of the 
valley (for the Susquehanna winds its way for near four hundred 
miles through a succession of charming valleys,) the range of moun- 
tain terminates, heaving itself up into an isolated hummock, however, 
before it melts away into the plain. This rise is called the Vision, 
and its summit is much frequented for its views, which are unrivaled 
in this part of the country. The ascent is easy, by means of roads 
and paths, and when there, the spectator gets a l3ird's-eye view of the 
village, which appears to lie directly beneath him, of the valley, and 
of the lake. The latter, in particular, is singularly lovely, displaying 
all the graceful curvatures of its western shores, while the landscape 
behind them, embracing Piers, and the hills beyond, is one of the 
richest and most pleasing rural pictures that can be offered to the eye. 
Nothing is wanting but ruined castles and recollections, to raise it to 
the level of the scenery of the Rhine, or, indeed, to that of the minor 
Swiss views. 

Prospect rock, which lies on the same range with the Vision, also 
offers a good view of the vilkge and the valley, though it does not 
command as extensive an horizon as the first. 

The mountains south of Cooperstown form a background of great 
beauty, and it is seldom that a more graceful and waving outline of 
forest is met with any where. The Black hills in particular, are ex- 
ceedingly fine, and are supposed to be nearly a thousand feet above 
the level of the lake. 

As the valley of Cooperstown is about twelve hundred feet above 
tide, it will readily be conceived that the summers are cool and the 
air invigorating. These facts are very apparent to those who come 
from the low counties during the warm months. Even with the 
thermometer at eighty, as sometimes happens, there is a sensible dif- 
ference between the oppression produced by the heat here, and by 
that produced by the same heat at a less elevation. The lake also, 
has the effect to produce a circulation of air, it being seldom that 
there is not a breeze either up or down this beautiful sheet of water. 

The banks of the lake abound with eligible situations for country 
houses. On its western side, there is scarcely a quarter of a mile 
without one and we feel persuaded that nothing but a good road to 
the Mohawk is wanting to bring this «pot into so much favor as shall 
line the shores of the Otsego with villas. As the roads now are, it 
requires but twenty hours to go to New York, and by the improve- 
ments that are in progress there is reason to expect this time will ere 
long be shortened to ten or twelve hours. When that day shall ar- 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 57 

rive, we predict that Cooperstown. during- five months of the year, 
will become a place of favorite resort for those who wish a retreat 
from the dust and heat of the larger towns. 

The society of this place is already of a higher order than that of 
most villages of its size. In this respect, Cooperstown has always 
been remarkable, more liberal tastes and a better style of living hav- 
ing prevailed in the place from its commencement than is usually to 
be found in new countries. At different periods, many families and 
individuals accustomed to the best society of the country have dwelt 
here, and they have imparted to the place the habits and tone of their 
own condition in life. 80 far from gaining by a closer connection 
with the commercial towns therefore, in this respect, there is reason 
to think that the village might not be better otf than it is at present. 

Lying as it does off the great routes, the village of Cooperstown is 
less known than it deserves to be. Few persons visit it without ac- 
knowledging the beauties of its natural scenery and the general neat- 
ness and decency of the place itself. The floating population, it is 
true, has brought in some of that rudeness and troublesome interfer- 
ence which characterizes the migrating and looser portion of the 
American people ; but a feeling has been awakened among the old 
inhabitants that is beginning to repel this innovation, and we already, 
in this class, see signs of a return to the ancient deportment, which 
was singularly respectable, having been equally free from servile 
meanness and obtrusive vulgarity. One or two instances of audacious 
assumptions of a knowledge of facts and of a right to dictate, on the 
part of strangers, have recently met with rebukes that will probably 
teach others caution, if they do not teach them modesty. On the 
whole, the feeling of the community is sound, and is little disposed 
to tolerate this interference with the privileges of those who have ac- 
quired rights by time and a long connection with the place. 

It has been said, both directly and indirectly, that the village of 
Cooperstown is well built ; unlike most such places, its best houses 
are private residences, and not taverns. The Hall and Edgewater 
are both American country houses .of the first class. The house of 
Mr. Henry Phinney, which is sometimes called the Locusts, is a very 
pretty pavilion of considerable size, and the building is well finished 
and in good style ; all three are of brick. Woodside is also a sub- 
stantial and respectable dwelling, in stone. Lakelands is not a very 
large house, but it is well placed, and is finished more like a villa 
than any other building around it. Apple hilh has a house of no 
great beauty, but tiie situation is much the best within the limits of 
the village. The present house at Fenimore is respectable, though 
with very little pretensions to architecture ; but the whole of the 



58 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

grounds are delightful, and the site of the old building is one of the 
most beautiful in the State, for a residence of that character. In 
addition to these places, which, from possessing select grounds, are 
the most conspicuous, there are a dozen other dwellings that have 
more or less advantages, and some of which are also well placed. 
Even many of the buildings that stand directly on the principal streets 
are above the ordinary level, and the general impression made on the 
observer is that of respectability and good taste. Many of the houses 
have gardens, though the original plan prevented the introduction of 
court yards, of which there are but eight or ten that deserve the name 
in the place. 

The present condition of Cooperstown is suflEiciently prosperous, 
without being in that state of feverish excitement that has afflicted 
so many other small towns. The trade is not great, but it is steady 
and profitable. The village contains six dry goods stores, all of which 
are on a respectable scale ; four groceries ; two druggists ; hatters, 
watchmakers and jewelers, tinmen, and the customary number of more 
common* mechanics, such as tailors, shoemakers, blacksmiths, &c., 
&c., some of which establishments are on a scale larger than common. 

Distinctly within the recollection of many now living, or some 
forty years ago, there were not probably half a dozen pianofortes, if 
as many, in the State west of Schenectady. There was one in the 
Hall, which was certainly the only one in the county of Otsego at 
that time. There are now two manufactories of the instrument in 
the village, both of which also make organs, and no less than thirty- 
five private houses in which pianos are to be found. Three of the 
churches have organs. Lessons in music are given by three different 
competent persons, and a good taste in this delightful art is fast ob- 
taining. 

There are two boarding schools for females in Cooperstown, though 
no good classical school for boys has ever existed in the place. The 
proximity to the Hartwick Academy, distant only five miles, is sup- 
posed to retard the accomplishment of so desirable an object. Never- 
theless, a higher order of instruction is gradually coming into use, 
particularly among the females, and as Cooperstown has always pos- 
sessed good models, it is hoped the attainments and principles which 
render the sex so attractive and useful, as well as respectable, will 
take deep root in the community. As they improve their minds and 
tastes, the young of that sex, on whose example so much depends, 
will obtain new sources of happiness, which, while they create a dis- 
relish for the less refined amusements, will give them a still higher 

*Mr. Cooper, by the tenn "common," here means, of course, general, i. e., mechanics 
generally found in all places. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 59 

standard of attainments, juster notions of their own dignity, and an 
increasing dislike for those familiar and unladylike pursuits that are 
too apt to form the aim of a mere village belle. The term village 
belle, however, is inapplicable to the state of society that already ex- 
ists in this little community, and we regard, with satisfaction, the 
signs of a more general advancement than formerly, in the accom- 
plishments that mark an improved association, the possession of 
which is so certain, when carried beyondi.their elements, to bring with 
it its own reward. 

Cooperstown has two weekly newspapers, the Freeman's Jonrnnl 
and the Otsego Republican, the former of which has always been es- 
teemed for a respectable literary taste. In politics, as a matter of 
course, these papers are opposed to each other. 

There are nine practitioners in the law, at present residing in the 
village, viz : Messrs. Campbell, Crippen, Morehouse, Cooper, Bowne, 
Walworth, Lathrop, Starkweather and Turner. William H. Averell, 
Esquire, is also in the profession, but he does not practice. Of these 
gentlemen, Messrs. Averell and Cooper are natives of the place ; 
Messrs. Campbell and Crippen of the county. 

The principal mercantile firms are those of H. B. k G. W. Ernst, 
L. McNamee, E. 1). Richardson & Co., J. Stowell, John Russell & 
Co., and H. Lathrop & Co. Most of these gentlemen are natives of 
the village, or of the country immediately around it. Mr. McNamee 
is a European by birth, but he has resided in Cooperstown, as a mer- 
cliant, thirty-six years. 

There are four practising physicians at present, viz : Doctors 
Spafard, Curtis, Johnson and Harper. 

The printing establishment of Messrs. H. & E. Phinney is one of the 
most extensive manufactories in the village, if not the most extensive. 
It ordinarily employs about forty hands, of both sexes, and consumes 
annually 3,0()() reams of paper. It has five presses in almost constant 
use. Large Bibles and school books are chiefly produced. Of the for- 
mer, this house publishes 8,000 copies annually. It also publishes 60,- 
OnO volumes of other books, chiefly school books, and 200,000 alma- 
nacs, toy books, &c. 

The tannery is still kept up, and it produces a considerable amount 
of leather, annually. Iron castings are also made in the village. The 
manufactory of Messrs. E. & H. Cory, in cabinet ware, pails, &c., &c., 
is on a respectable scale. The manufactory of hats, by J. R. Wor- 
thington, an establishment that has passed into the second generation 
of the same family, is also considerable ; Ralph Worthing-ton carried 
on the business in 1802. Mr. Stephen Gregory has long had a respect- 
able shoe store and manufactory, that is still kept up. The industry 



60 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

of the place, however, as a whole, is directed more toward supplying 
the wants of the surrounding country, than to exportation. In thi.s 
sense, the business is considerable, and is gradually increasing, with 
the growing wealth of the county. 

Although Cooperstown, which has now had an existence of half a 
century, may not have produced any very eminent men, it has had a 
fair proportion of respectable citizens. Several young artists and me- 
chanics, that were born here, have risen to some notoriety in their sev- 
eral callings, and the clergy and the members of the bar, have gener- 
ally maintained respectable stations in their respective professions. 

Cooperstown for the last twenty years has been rather remarkable 
for its female population. Perhaps no place of its size can boast of 
a finer collection of young women than this village, the salubrity of 
the climate appearing to favor the development of their forms and 
constitutions. The beauty, indeed, of the sex in this village, has been 
celebrated in verse even, and we think quite justly. 

As the growth and improvement of Cooperstown have been steady, 
and, with very trifling exceptions, regularly progressive, they may be 
expected to continue in the same ratio, for a long time to come. We 
shall have no mushroom city, but there is little doubt that in the 
course of time, as the population of the country fills up, this spot 
will contain a provincial town of importance. The beauty of its sit- 
uation the lake, the purity of the air, and the other advantages already 
pointed out, seem destined to make it more peculiarly a jDlace of re- 
sort, for those who live less for active life than for its elegance and 
ease. It is highly probable that, half a century hence, the shores of 
the lake will be lined with country residences, when the village will 
be the center of their supplies of every kind. Were an effort made, 
even now, by the erection of proper lodging houses, the establishment 
of reading rooms and libraries, and the embellishnient of a few of the 
favorable sp ts, in the way of public promenades and walks, it strikes 
us that it would be quite easy to bring the place into request, as one 
of resort for the inhabitants of the large towns during the warm 
months. The mode adopted in the smaller European towns, would 
be the most suitable for commencing such an experiment. If a few 
persons with narrow incomes, and who possessed proper buildings, 
were to fit up rooms, as parlors and bed rooms, a set in each house, 
furnish the breakfasts and tea, and, if required, the dinner, persons of 
fortune would be induced to frequent the place, would pay liberal 
prices, and the village in a few years, would reap the benefit of a 
large expenditure. The system of common boarding houses will not 
for a long time draw to Cooperstown company in sufficient numbers 
to remunerate ; or company even of the right quality ; but half a 



HISTORY OF COOPEHSTOWN. Gl 

dozen furnished lodgings, on a respectable scale, we think would lay 
the foundation of a system that might prove to be exceedingly serv- 
iceable to the interests of the place. There is everything that is 
wanted for such an object, and, as society produces society, a few yeai^ 
would bring an accession of this important requisite, that would be 
certain to sustain itself. 

To conclude, Cooperstown is evidently destined to occupy some 
such place among the town? of New York, as is now filled by the vil- 
lages and towns on the shores of the lakes of Westmoreland, in P^ng- 
land, and by the several buicrgs on those of the different waters of 
Switzerland. The period of this consummation may be advanced, or 
it may be retarded by events ; though nothing will be so likely to 
hasten it, as to provide the means of comfortable private lodgings. 
As it is. scarcely a summer passes that families do not relu(3tantly go 
from this beautiful spot, to others less favored by nature, and with an 
inferior society, in consequence of their being unable to obtain the re- 
quired accommodations. Still every thing shows a direction towards 
this great end, among which may be mentioned the increasing taste 
for boating for music, the languages, and other amusements and ac- 
complishments of the sort, that bespeak an improving civilization. 



6'i mSTORV OF COOPERSTOWm,. 

THE CHEONICLES—CONTINUED. 

BY S. M. SHAW. 



CHAPTER yill. 

FROM 1838 TO 1851. 

Baring this period of thirteen years, Cooperstovvn witnessed com- 
paratively few marked improvements or changes, and little or no 
increase in population — the removal of the Phinneys' printing business 
and bindery to Buffalo, after the destruction of their establishment by 
fire in 1849, causing the change of residence of a number of families, 
some of whose members had found employment therein. The social 
life of the village was quiet and pleasant—more truly enjoyable, some 
of the old residents think, than it has been since the time when the 
"general lake party," some seasons repeated, was the one grand feature 
of the summer season, and the "select ball" that of the winter. The 
village newspapers of that period paid very little attention to local 
matters, and hence can be drawn upon for but few items of interest. 
But we are enabled to record the following : 

1839.— E. Beach, C. E , was employed to survey a route for a rail- 
road from Cooper town to intersect the proposed Catskill and Canajo- 
harie railroad, at a point near the latter village. He made a report at 
a public meeting held here January 30th, of this year, over which 
James Stowell presided. It proposed the construction of a road on 
the east side of the lake ; estimated cost for a road 29 miles long, 
^301,160. A meeting was held February 14th, at which a committee 
was appointed to apply to the legislature for a charter. That was the 
last of the enterprise, so far as Cooperstown was concerned. I'he peo- 
ple of Canajoharie were more interested, and we have heard it stated 
that a small piece of the proposed road was graded near that village. 

On the last Sunday in May, Coroner Isaac Lewis of this village was 
called to SpringHeld, to hold an inquest on the bodies of five persona 
who were drowned in I^ake Summit. They attempted to cross that 
pond in a leaky boat, which sunk with them. 

A County Educational Society, whose object it was to improve the 
public schools of Otsego, with Hon. Samuel Nelson as president, ex- 



HISTORY OF COOPEBSTOWN. G3 

isted in 1839. Mr. Cooper presided at the meeting held here which 
organized the Society. Horace Lathrop, Esq.. was secretary. 

In September, President Martin Van Buren visited Cooperstown, 
and receivet^ quite an ovation. He was accompanied hither from 
Fort Plain by Judge Nelson and Col. Prentiss. He was met, about a 
mile out of the village, by a large cavalcade of men of both political 
parties. On his arrival he was formally welcomed by Judge More- 
house, and he made a brief response irom the piazza of the Eagle 
Hotel. He remained from Saturday till Monday, and then went to 
Cherry Valley. During his visit he was called upon by a great many 
party and personal friends. 

1840.— On the 27th of June, a Mr. Ballard and Mr. Minor were 
rowing on the lake, when accidently the boat was upset, and Ballard 
was drowned. Minor was rescued, although nearly exhausted, and 
revived after a short time. 

Gov. Seward made the 4th of July oration at Cherry Valley this 
year. On the evening of that day, Dr. Russell, Wra. Nichols and 
Geo. W. Ernst of this village, as a committee, waited upon and 
brought him to Cooperstown. The next day was Sunday, and the 
Governor attended the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches. On 
Monday a lake party was given at the Point, in his honor, which was 
largely attended by the villagers and people of the surrounding 
country. L. J. Walworth, Esq., made an address of welcome to Gov- 
ernor Seward, who replied at length. The party that came down the 
lake on the old scow, stopped in front of the Echo, and several 
persons tried their voices to show off the wonderfully clear reverber- 
ation that would be given. '*Joe Tom," whg had been "chief cook" 
on the occasion, and who was now at one of the long oars, was asked 
to try the echo. "Hurrah for Covernor Steward !" "You got it, to a 
t. Joe !" exclaimed the Governor. 

Party politics ran very high in Cooperstown this year, and many 
meetings were held in and near the village. The village had long- 
been noted for its many prominent and active politicians. 

The County Jail, which succeeded the old log structure, was burned 
Dec. 17. Strong elibrts were then made by other towns to change 
the location ; but they failed, and in January, 1841, the sum of tfi^lO,- 
000 was appropriated by the Supervisors for a Court House, Jail and 
Sheriffs residence. They were completed in October of that year. 

Three of what Mr. Cooper would style "very respectable" resi- 
dences, all of wood, were put up this year, and all in the same general 
style : one by Mr. G. W. Ernst on Water street ; one by Mr. Levi 
Wood at the southern terminus of West street, and one by Mr. 



64 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWK 

Benj. F. Kipp on the same street, on the sight of his present brick 
building. 

1841.— On the 23d of Feb., a little son of Mr. Alonzo Woodward 
of this village, in attempting to jump upon a sleigh, missed his hold 
and fell under one of the runners, which passed over his body before 
the horses could be stopped. The child expired in about 15 minutes. 

The residence of Mr. William Nichols took fire in the attic. May 
18th, and very narrowly escaped destruction. It was materially 
damaged. 

At the Circuit Court held the week beginning Sept. 13th, occurred 
the trial of the libel suit brought by J. Fenimore Cooper against 
Park Benjamin, editor of the New World, in which the defendant 
was mulcted in 56^375 damages. At the Montgomery Circuit Court 
held the following month, Mr. Cooper received $400 against Mr. 
Thurlow Weed, in a similar trial for libel. S. S. Bowne, Esq., and 
Richard Cooper, Esq., were attorneys for Mr. Cooper in this and sev- 
eral other similar suits. 

1842. — At the Circuit Court held in Cooperstown during April of 
this year, Mr. Cooper received judgments against two other editors, 
and in September of the same year a verdict of $200 was rendered for 
the plaintiff, in a libel suit instituted by Mr. Cooper against the Al- 
bany Evening Journal. 

On November 8- Searle's Tavern, situated where the Central Hotel 
now stands, very narrowly escape-, destruction by fire, the roof being 
burnt off and the third story much injured. 

In December, the Rev. P. T. Tiffany, rector of Christ Church of 
this village, was elected to the place of Chaplain of the House of 
Representatives— an honor which gave much pleasure to his many 
friends here. 

1843.— Unusual, and to a great extent successful efforts, were made 
in this town during this year to enforce the temperance laws. The 
"Washingtonian" movement was then in full blast. At the annual 
meeting "of the County Medical Society, held in July, Gfi members 
were present, and a resolution was passed adopting the Washiiigton- 
ian pledge. The movement was one of great popularity, and it ac- 
complished much good. 

Governor Bouck, who had been in attendance at a meeting of the 
Board of Trustees of Hartwick Seminary, of which he was a member, 
stopped over night in Cooperstown at the Eagle Hotel. 

Doct. John Russell, long a resident of this village, the father of 
Mrs. Judge Nelson, died the 2d of August, in the 71st year of his 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 65 

age. He had been much in public life, including Member of Con- 
gress and County Clerk. He was a large land-owner in the village, 
and a public-spirited citizen. His wife was a Miss Williams, whose 
near relatives were closely identified with large business interests in 
and near Cooperstown. Dr. Russell resided in the house which stood 
on the corner of Main and Pioneer streets, where is now the store of 
H. ]\[. Hooker & Co. Judge Nelson afterward occupied this dwell- 
ing, and about 1835 put up the brick building adjoining, now owned 
and occupied by the Murphy Sisters. Mrs. Frederick T. Starkweath- 
er, a grand-daughter of Dr. Russell and youngest daughter of Judge 
Nelson, is now, with her children, a resident of Cooperstown. 

A large convention of Town Superintendents of Public Schools 
was held here in September, which was also attended by others feel- 
ing an interest in the cause of public education, and a noted address 
was made by James Henry, Esq., of Herkimer, which was afterwards 
published. 

1844. — Another "Presidential year," and the local papers taken up 
almost exclusively with politics. 

Commodore Omar Boden, spoken of by Mr. Cooper as coming here 
in 1798, died in May. aged 78 years. 

Only a few buildings were erected on the corporation during the 
past two or three years, 

1845. — As early as January of this year, a Hop Growers' Associa- 
tion was formed here, with J. W. TunniclifF as president, and (^eo. 
W. Ernst as secretary. It did not accomplish any thing of apparent 
benefit to the growers. 

In this year, and again in 1847, additions were made to the water 
supply for the village, after which the company represented their to- 
tal expenditures at about ."irS.OOO. The water all came from two large 
springs. 

1846. — A L'ounty Temperance Society was formed here, with Col. 
John H. Prentiss as President. It was soon carried into politics, 
and did not long retain its organization. 

Levi Clearwater was tried September 14th, for the killing of Na- 
than Tiffany, of Milford, on May 12, of this year, wdiile under the 
influence of liquor. He was defended by ex-Gov. Seward, and the 
verdict was manslaughter in the 3d degree, with a sentence of four 
years in Auburn State Prison. 

1847. — On the 4th of March a large meeting assembled at the Court 
House to organize measures for the relief of the suffering people of 
Ireland. Robert Campbell, Esq., presided, and an address was made 

5 



66 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

by James Fenimore-Cooper. The effort to raise substantial assistance 
was quite successful. 

On the 15th clay of March, a dwelling house on Fair street, owned 
by Judge Nelson, and occupied by E. S. Cotfin and S. McK. Thomp- 
son, took fire and was consumed, together with a large portion of the 
furniture of the tenants. The total loss was about %l ,500. 

1848. — During a large part of this "Presidential" year, the local 
papers were mainly filled up with discussions of the three-cornered 
political contest, and were very personal and bitter in their remarks. 

In the spring there were several cases of small-pox reported on the 
corporation, which did considerable damage to the business of the 
place. Only two deaths occurred from that much-dreaded disease. 

In April of this year, Judge Morehouse held his firet (Jircuit in 
Cooperstown, and established his reputation at home as an able jurist. 

1849. — Twice, during this winter, was the large establishment of H. 
& E. Phinney — embracing printing ofiice, bindery and bookstore — set 
on fire. The first attempt was in February, on the main, four-story, 
brick building, on West (now Pioneer) street, in which was most of 
the machinery and stock. All were burned — except what property 
was on the first floor, most of which was removed. Other buildings 
were endangered, and some times on fire, but only that in which the 
fire originated was consumed. The loss to the Messrs. Phinney was 
upwards of ^25,000. They also suffered large damage from derange- 
ment to their business. A second building near, in which they also 
had paper and other material, was not destroyed. Four weeks later, 
occurred the second and finishing incendiary fire, which destroyed the 
other building used by this firm in their business. It was discovered 
about five o'clock in the morning, and was probably set a few hours 
earlier. The loss was about .^10.000 ; the insurance only one-half that 
amount. A large number of persons in the employ of the Messrs, 
Phinney, were obliged to leave the village after this disaster, from a 
lack of employment, and thus it was a serious affair in respect to the 
interests of the place, as the business was removed to Buffalo 

The original of the following paper, in the handwriting of Col. J, 
H. Prentiss, was handed us by Mr. George W. Ernst, while on a visit 
to Cooperstown. the day on which the preceding paragraph was put in 
type, and we give it as of interest in this connection All but three 
of the subscribers were living here when the editor of this book came 
to Cooperstown, in the fall of 1 851 ; and all but eleven of them are 
now deceased : 

Whereas, several incendiary letters have been addressed to the Messrs, 
Phinney, within the past two yeai's, threatening the destruction of 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 



their buildings and property, received through the drop in the Post- 
office ; and, whereas, on the morning of the 3d inst. their brick build- 
ing was destroyed by fire, through which they suffered great loss, and 
the property of several other of our citizens was damaged and seri- 
ously endangered ; and since that date, another of those incendiary 
letters have been received as aforesaid, in which the burning of the 
building is avowed and other depredations threatened, in case the 
Messrs. Phinney do not do a certain act ; therefore, the undersigned 
deem it proper that the Trustees of the village of Cooperstown should 
offer a suitable reward for the detection and judicial punishment of 
such offender or offenders, and to that end authorize them so to do, 
and as an indemnification for such proceeding on their part, agree to 
pay to them upon such detection and conviction, the several sums set 
opposite their n^j.mes hereto signed. Dated February 21, 1849. 



Calvin Graves, 


$25 00 


L. McNamee, - 


$20 00 


W. H. AvereU, - 


50 UO 


J L. Fox, - - - 


500 


J. K. Worthington, - 


- 25 00 


H.C. tish, - 


- 5 00 


Henry Scott, - 


25 00 


Schuyler Crippen, - 


ft 00 


Theodore Keese, - 


- 25 00 


E. S. Coffin, - 


- 10 00 


II & E. Phinney, - 


200 00 


C. Thiny, - . - . 


5 00 


J no. H. Prentiss, 


- 25 00 


R. Waterman, - 


- 25 00 


Kobert Davis, - 


25 00 


E. P. Byram, - 


5 00 


E. & H. Cory, - 


- 25 00 


Chas. McLean, - 


- 500 


G. W. Ernst, - 


25 UO 


H. V. Clark, - 


5 00 


Stephen Gregory, 


- 20 00 


Kussell Warren, - 


- 10 OO 


J. H. Ne'.lis & Co,, - 


15 00 


P. E, Johnson, - 


10 00 


S Doubleday, 


- 10 00 


P. G . Tanner, 


- 5 00 


Richard Cooley, 


10 00 


S. A. Bailey, - 


10 00 


James btowel, 


- 25 00 


H. Hollister, - - 


- 5 00 


W . A. Conistock, 


5 00 


W. C, Keyes, - 


5 00 


Alex. H.Clark, - 


- 30 00 


Levi Wood, - 


- 10 CO 


Chandler Koot, 


20 00 


Levi J. Pierce, - 


25 00 


Henry J, Bovvers, 


- 25 00 


S. W, Root, . - - . 


10 Oo 


Z Willoughby, 


10 00 


L. & D. Ball, - 


10 00 


Stillman & Wood, 


- 5 00 


J, Feniniore Cooper, - 


- 25 00 


R. A. i.esley, - 


6 00 


Geo A. Starkweather, - 


20 00 


Beadle & tiailey, - 


- 5 00 


S. Nelson, - 


- 50 00 


William Lewis, 


25 00 







During this year Mr. George W, Ernst constructed the stone block 
of two stores on Main street, one of which he occupied as a dry 
goods merchant until 1862. He was appointed the first U. S. Internal 
Revenue Collector for this District by President Lincoln. He is still 
living — at present a resident of Maryland, where he is closing up his 
business preparatory to returning to his old home in Cooperstown, his 



68 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

native place. Robert Russell is the present owner of this stone block. 
Judge Morehouse died suddenly December 16. His death was se- 
verely felt, both in his profession and the social circle in which he was 
prominent. He had been recently chosen Judge of the Supreme 
Court. The Bar of Otsego county met on the 17th, and drew up res- 
olutions of respect. He was one of the most genial, pleasant, witty 
gentlemen, who ever graced the society of Cooperstown. 

1850. — On the morning of January 31, the dry goods and grocery 
store of Mr. James Cockett was seriously damaged by fire, being saved, 
with the adjacent buildings, only by the strenuous efforts of the fire- 
men and citizens. The loss was covered by insurance. 

During this year the Messrs. Phinney erected their building, now 
known as tlie "Phinney block." The firm occupied the first floor, the 
second was rented, and the third was engaged for an Odd Fellows' 
Hall — now occupied by the Masons as a lodge room. 

In July, Capt. Boden launched the "Leatherstocking," a pleasure 
boat capable of carrying about 75 persons. 

The most noted village improvement made this year, was the build- 
ing of .VI r. Joshua H. Story's large stone store, designed to be the best 
then in the county. In it, up to the time of Mr. Story's death, in 
1871, was transacted the largest dry goods trade in Otsego county. 
Mr. Story was a business man of great enterprise and energy, and at 
the time of his death a large real estate owner. 

This year closed with a great excitement in Cooperstown, growing 
out of the robbing of the Otsego County Bank, on the night of De- 
cember 28, by burglars, of about .$30,000 — within two or- three thou- 
sand dollars of the surplus of the bank. As the news spread over the 
county, the excitement increased. In the September following, Abi- 
jah Leonard was tried and convicted of the burgla.ry ; he undoubted- 
ly had accomplices ; some thought he was not here personally at the 
robbery, but made the tools and directed the movements. One of 
his brothers was here once or twice, just preceding the robbery, and 
stopped at the hotel opposite. 

In this year the Empire House passed into the hands of Gen. Brown, 
who retained it till 1866. It enjoyed a just popularity under his ex- 
cellent management. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 69 

CHAPTER IX. 

FROM 1851 TO 1861. 

This decade marked several noticeable improvements and evidences 
of enterprise in Cooperstown — the commencement of a new and pros- 
perous era ; of a steady increase in population. 

1851. — The first regular "local department'' appeared in the Free- 
man's Journal in August, when its present Editor assumed control 
of that paper. One of the first topics introduced was the practica- 
bility of establishing a large "Summer Hotel" at this place. 

In the month of August Mr. H. C. Hepburn came here to consult 
citizens in regard to forming a telegraph company, to construct a line 
to Fort Plain. He met with a reception so favorable to his proposed 
enterprise, that the necessary stock was subscribed, and the work 
commenced the following month. It was completed the first week in 
November, and Mr. H. 8. Babcock — who for many years held the 
office of Justice of the Peace — became the first operator. It at that 
time cost fifty cents to send a message of ten words to New York ; 
the present charge is 25 cents. 

It was the custom of Judge Nelson, of the U. S. Supreme Court, 
to occasionally hold a term of the Circuit in this village during his 
summer vacation, to accommodate those attorneys and parties who 
might be interested in some important suit. This always brought to 
Cooperstown a number of the most distinguished lawyers in the 
country. He held court in August of this year, and the array of 
eminent talent present was very large. The same thing occurred in 
succeeding years. 

The yacht "Flying Cloud," owned by Capt. Boden, was launched 
on Otsego lake July 80, and long remained a favorite with those who 
enjoyed a sail on these waters. 

At that time contemplating the purchase of a country seat in some 
pleasant village, Gov. Marcy came here in August of this year, with 
his wife and daughter, especially to view the Woodside property, 
then for sale, and owned by Mrs. Judge Morehouse. He was pleased 
with it, and with the idea of locating here ; but Mrs. Marcy said the 
long stage-ride of 26 miles was rather too great a tax, and the Gov- 
ernor deferred to her views in the matter. A large picnic was given 
at the Point, by Judge Nelson and other prominent citizens, in honor 
of Gov. Marcy and his family. Crumwell's band furnished the nmsic 



70 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

— and the leader, a colored man named John Crumwell, is still living 
and playing at dancing parties in this and neighboring counties. 

For the first eight days in September, the mercury ranged from 88 
to 94 degrees. The winter of 1851-'52 was a very cold one. 

1852. — Cooperstown, still leading in newspaper enterprise, saw the 
erection of its first steam power press, for the Journal, in January — 
the only one then in this, or either of the seven adjoining counties, 
with the exception of Oneida. Now there are twelve such newspa- 
per presses running in this county, and probably over forty in the dis- 
trict mentioned. 

In P^'ebruary of this year, a public meeting in aid of the Albany 
& Susquehanna Railroad was held in this village, Wm. H. Averill, 
Esq., presiding, on which occasion Cooperstown made a very liberal 
subscription to this enterprise, amounting to several thousand dollars. 

Dr. Horace Lathrop opened an office in Cooperstown, in March, and 
he is now the oldest resident physician of the place. 

In July, G. W. Ryckman, Jr., bought the "Hall," the old Cooper 
residence, and two lots near, with a view of fitting it up as a summer 
hotel. Early the next year a large corps of workmen was employed 
to remodel and enlarge this building, and in July it was opened to the 
public. Its career as a hotel was very short, however, as in October of 
the same year it was destroyed by fire, probably the work of an in- 
cendiary. It carried an insurance of ^32, .500, and some of the com- 
panies interested resisted payment, but finally comprised by paying 
about two-thirds of their risks. 

This year also witnessed the erection of the Clerk "s and Surrogate's 
office, a brick building which stood near the old Court House. It was 
taken down when the present Court House was built, in 1880. 

As late as this year many men were engaged in making boots and 
shoes in this village, as we read that 2.5 journeymen shoemakers were 
on a strike for higher wages, in August. Now, 1886, not a pair of 
boots, and seldom a pair of shoes, is made on this corporation. The 
few journeymen remaining — at the head of whom stands the veteran 
Sam'l W. Bingham — being wholly employed in mending. 

1853. — A suggestion appears in the Journal, in January of this 
year, that inasmuch as the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad is likely 
to be constructed, a branch should be built from Cooperstown to con- 
nect with it. The first steps were taken ten yeare later. 

In the same month the suggestion of building a large Seminary of 
learning in (^^ooperstown was first made, the outcome of which was 
that in the following December a public meeting was held, to take 
steps to establish such an institution at this place. A committee of 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 71 

ten was appointed to take the matter in charge. Further meetings 
were held during the winter to push along the enterprise, and sub- 
scription books were opened in January. The village — outside the 
Methodist denomination — was asked to subscribe $15,000. On the 
28th of March, 1854, the following committee was appointed to attend 
the Otsego Methodist Association, for the purpose of hearing proposi- 
tions from that body : F. A. Lee, G. A. Starkweather, W. IT. Averell, 
Robert Davis, J. M. Peak, L. C. Turner, S. M. Shaw — all of whom 
except the last named have since died. The committee, at a subse- 
quent meeting, reported that an arrangement had been made with 
that body of Christians to take control of the Seminary— they to 
raise at least ^15,000, and outsiders is^20,00(). The work went on, and 
21 Trustees were chosen on the 11th April. The Board organized as 
follows : Elihu Phinney, Sen , President, G. A. Starkweather, Vice 
President. S. M. Shaw. Secretary, F. A. Lee, Treasurer. 'I'he contract 
for the building was let to L. M. Bolks, June 1. The f.jllowing gen" 
tlemen comprised the first l^oard of Trustees : Elihu Phinney, (jeorge 
A. St irk weather, (Jeorge W. En st Cutler Fiel Is S M. Shaw, A. E. 
Daniels, Lyman Smith, Calvin Graves, F. A. Lee. EUery Cory, Levi 
C. Turner, Robert Davis, Robert H. Weeks, J. G. Bush, Rev Charles 
Blakeslee and Rev. Is ac Parks of Oooperstown, ('aleb Clark of Mid- 
dlefield, John Young of S] rii gfiild, John Cook of Westford, F. H. 
Bissell of Hartwick, Joseph Russell of Milford. 

In July of the following year the main building was raised, and in 
November occurred the dedication, Bishop Simpson making the prin- 
cipal address. The same week witnessed its opening with a full corps 
of teachers and nearly as many pupils as it could accommodate. In a 
short time, the school overflowed with boarders — of whom there were 
nearly 30" — and many found board in private families in the village. 
The first principal was Rev. Mr. McKown. He retired from the po- 
sition in 1855. Rev. P. D. Hammond was his successor as principal, 
in August of the same year. In June, 1856, the building was leased 
for five years by Messrs. Elammond and Pomeroy In February 1857, 
Rev. C. R. Pomeroy became sole principal. At this time the debt on 
the seminary was about .f 23,000. It was closed in the following spring, 
and remained so until September, 1859. when it was purchased by Mr. 
R. C. Flack, assisted by a loan of .^^5,000 from the citizens of Coopers- 
town, without interest, as long as he keeps the school in operation. 
It was reopened by Mr. Flack, November 11, 1859. 

The Methodist Church of this county was shown to be prosperous, 
by a report of 32 churches, 11 parsonages, 24 traveling and local 
preachers, and 3,059 members. 

This year reports the organization of the "Bank of Cooperstown," 



72 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

in January. Mr. Frederick A. Lee was tlie originator of this enter- 
prise, and was the first Cashier of the bank. Mr. Calvin Graves was 
its first President, and Mr. 'I'heodore Keese its first Yice-President. 
All the original directors of this bank are dead. 

During this year extensive repairs were made on Christ Church, 
and the building was enlarged. 

1854. — On the 21st of March an anti-Nebraska meeting was held 
at the Court House, presided over by Judge Hammond of Cherry 
Valley. 

The Fourth of July was celebrated at the Point, and Mr. Andrew 
Barber, editor of the Republican, delivered the oration. 

At the Annual County Fair held in the village in October of this 
year. Dr. E. P. Byram delivered the address. The Doctor is still a 
resident of Cooperstown. 

As a greater precaution against fire, additional hydrants were placed 
in the streets by the village Trustees, in November. 

A praiseworthy movement, during the winter of this year, was a 
course of free lectures given by some of the town's literati. They 
were largely attended, and were of much interest. The same thing 
was done m succeeding years. 

On the night of October 14, the house of Mr. Holder Cory was en- 
tered by a burglar, who stabbed Mr. C. in the left breast, but the knife 
struck a bone, and the wound was not a serious one. 

On the r2th December, there was held in the Presbyterian church 
of this village, the first Musical Convention, lasting four days and 
closing with a concert, ever held in this place ; it was the second one 
ever held in this section of the State — the first one having occurred 
two months earlier at Gilbertsville. Both were held mainly through 
the efforts of Mr. Alfred P. Hayden, formerly of Middlefield. Prof. 
Wm. B. Bradbury of New York, was the conductor on both occasions. 

1855. — The establishment of the "Worthington Bank," by Mr. J. 
R. Worthington, with a capital of $5f),()(tO, was announced in January. 

During this year Mr. Levi C. "^rurner was a regular contributor to 
the Journal, over the signature of ''Otsego." He was an easy, fluent 
writer, who had seen much of the world. 

In May, one of the best stage routes in the Union was established 
between Cooperstown and Fort Plain, by A. A. Kendall & Co., who 
had recently bought this line. For several years it did a large business. 

The distillery of Mr. William Brooks, near this village, was destroyed 
by fire in June, and the business was then closed. 

The death of Andrew M. Barber, editor of the Otsego Republican, 
occurred, after an illness of some weeks, in the latter part of August. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 73 

Re was a man of pleasant, genial temperament, and had drawn about 
him a large circle of friends in the community and county. He left a 
widow, but no children. The Republican otlice then passed into the 
hands of Mr George W. Ernst, as chairman of the Whig County 
Committee, and it was consolidated with the Democrat, owned by 
Mr. Hendricks. Mr. L. C. Turner was employed is its editor, vintil 
.Mr. Wood went into the concern. 

A noteworthy circumstance was the fall of six to eight inches of 
snow in early October, causing serious damage to fruit trees, etc. A 
man, in a state of partial intoxication, was frozen to death in the 
northern part of the town.^ He had been in attendance at the county 
fair, and was on his way home. 

The example of the previous winter was followed by a similar course 
of lectures, by home talent, F. A Lee's being the initial effort of the 
season, followed by Dr. Lathrop, Rev. Mr. McHarg, G. Pomeroy Keese, 
T^evi C. Turner. S. M. Shaw, and others. 

In December a farmers' convention was held here, in which sixteen 
towns were represented, the object being the re-organization of the 
County Agricultural Society. H. Rosebootn was appointed chairman, 
and F. M. Rotch of Morris was elected the first President, of the So- 
ciety. 

1856. — On the 10th of January, the stores with dwellings above, of 
G. M. Grant and N. W. Cole, on Pioneer street, were destroyed by 
fire. Mr. Kipp's residence was also injured. 

In April and the following month, the Empire House was enlarged 
and improved by Gen. Brown ; a third story was added. 

The travel had so increased that in May, Kendall & Co. put on a 
noon line of stages, to run on the east side of the Lake. 

In June, Hon. Joseph L. AVhite purchased Woodside, of Mrs. More- 
house, and took up his residence there. 

Mainly through the efforts of Mr. F. A. Lee, ground was purchased, 
and "Lakewood Cemetery Association" formed. The grounds were 
dedicated in the presence of a large concourse of people, in September 
of '57. It has proved of great and lasting benefit. 

In August, Jerome B. Wood, Esq.. purchased one-half interest in 
the Democrat and Republican, and became co editor with J. I. Hen- 
dryx. He was a very pleasant and scholarly gentleman, but active 
politics were distasteful to him 

In the early fall, Mr. Edward Clark of New York purchased the 
"Apple Hill" property, on which, a few years later, he erected the most 
elegant and costly mansion, by far, in this section of the State ; also a 
magnificent stone bath-house, stables, green-houses, &c. 



74 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

As a new thing for this locality, the Democrats held a "barbecue" 
here, in September — an ox being roasted whole, in the grove then 
standing above the Court House. 

In September, after a painful illness of two and a half years, which 
confined her to her bed and lounge, Mrs. S. M. Shaw was taken to her 
parents' house in Albany, where she remained for six years, under the 
care of leading physicians of that city. She was conveyed to Fort 
Plain on a spring couch made for that purpose, and which was the 
next morning placed in a special coach kindly put at our disposal by 
the Superintendent of the Central railroad — all under supervision of 
her kind medical attendant, Dr. H. Lathrop, who accompanied the 
party to Albany. 

1857. — January 22 made about the coldest mark on record, the 
mercury going down to 32 below zero. 

Much damage was done to trees and buildings, in April of this year, 
when snow fell to a depth of twenty to thirty-six inches, on the 14th, 
and about five feet in three days. A great many barns and sheds, and 
a few dwellings, were broken down by the weight of the snow. 

On the night of December 28, all the prisoners confined in the 
county jail made their escape ; quite an easy matter, owing to the 
general discreditable dilapidation of that building. It was presented 
by the grand jury as a nuisance, the following month . 

1858. — Alonzo Bowen was drowned by breaking through the ice in 
the Lake, January 13th. 

The upper part of the dwelling of widow Zenas Chapman, was 
aestroyed by fire on the noon of March 12 ; and by the gratuitous 
labor of the kind-hearted villagers, a new roof was placed on the cot- 
tage before night of the same day. 

In April, a small steamboat was placed on the Lake, but being 
found rather an unsatisfactory craft, its trijDS were discontinued after 
a few cruises. 

The appointment of R. R. Nelson, Esq. to the U. S. District Judge- 
ship of Minnesota, and the confirmation of this appointment by the 
Senate, occurred in May. 

In May, the old Spanish shillings, sixpences and quarters disap- 
peared, as those silver coins were then tabooed, and refused as a circu- 
lating medium, both here and elsewhere. 

J. B. Wood, Esq., severed his connection with the Republican, in 
June, retiring from journalism to resume the practice of his profes- 
sion — the law. 

The hat and fur business, commenced about sixty years before by 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWJSr. 75 

"Ralph Wortbington, and which, since his death, in 1828, had been 
continued by his son, John R. VVorthington, was discontinued in the 
latter part of this year, and the stock in trade was advertised to be 
sold at cost. 

Good old Judge Kinne, the friend of every man, had his hotel room 
entered one night in September, and his valuable gold watch and some 
money stolen. 

18o9. — Lieut. Orren Chapman, who had served an apprenticeship in 
the Journal office, and afterwards graduated from West Point Acade- 
my, died in St. Louis on the 6th of January. He left relatives in this 
village. 

In June. Patrick McNamara, on trial for the murder of his wife, at 
Richfield, was found guilty of manslaughter in the first degree, and 
was sentenced to imprisonment for life. 

The store of E. & IJ. Cory was broken into, and the safe robbed of 
S30, on the night of August 5. 

The "Burgess block" of stores, situated about where the Postoffice 
now stands, was conjpleted in the fnll, the third story being set apart 
for a public hall — then the only one in the village. It would seat 
about 20 ' people comfortably. 

The well-known "postrider," Jared (xardner, who had carried the 
village papers to certain southwestern towns for about 1 4 years, re- 
linquished the route in November, when he was 79 years old. 

1860. — The early part of this year recorded the completion of the 
Cooper monument, in Lakewood Cemetery, by the addition of the 
graceful statuette of Leatherstocking, which crowns the shaft. This 
monument was erected as a tribute to his memory, by friends and ad- 
mirers of the great novelist, and has been the object of many pilgrim- 
ages by those attracted by the name and fame of Cooper, as well as 
by its graceful proportions. A special article on it will appear else- 
where in this book. 

A great array of legal talent sojourned in the village during the 
arguing of the Sewit)g Machine cases before Judges Nelson and 
Smalley, in the month of June. In August the Judge decided in fa- 
vor of the Wilson feed patent. 

Dr. F. U. Johnston of New York, purchased the farm of 160 acres 
belonging to Elisha Doubleday. in September, and made his residence 
here for several years, until his purchase of the house on River street, 
which is still in his possession, Cooperstown lost one of her best citi- 
zens on his removal to Westchester county a few years since. 

The LTniversalist society remodeled their house of worship, and 
placed a bell in the tower, in the fall of this year 



76 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

A friendly political discussion was held at the Court House, Octo- 
ber 19th, the antagonists in this "war of words" being Hon. Joseph 
L. White and Levi C Turner, Esq. The former took the Democratic, 
and the latter the Whig side, in the debate 

An interesting murder trial was in progress in December of this 
year, a Mrs. McCraney of Oneonta being accused of the murder of 
her step-daughter. She was acquitted of the charge, her defense being 
conducted by L. L. Bundy and L. S. Chatfield ; District Attorney 
Countryman was assisted (a very little) by Attorney-General Myers. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 



CHAPTER X. 

FROM 1861 TO 1871. 

This period was perhaps the most important in the history of this 
country, as it witnessed- the rise, progress and close of the great Civil 
War. Men here, as elsewhere, saw the cloud gathering with feelings 
of mingled sorrow, apprehension and alarm ; they were divided in 
opinion as to the causes which led to the war ; and party feeling, be- 
fore actual hostilities commenced, very naturally strongly held sway 
over the minds of men who were active in political life. But all this 
changed when Fort Sumter was fired upon — our community was uni- 
ted as one man in patriotic feeling for the Union. Few places of its 
size did more to sustain its cause. In this decade, also, occurred the 
most decided advance in growth and prosperity ever witnessed by 
Cooperstown. The coming here, about that period, of such wealthy 
men as Edward Clark, Henry F. Phinney, George L. Bowne, and 
Jedediah P. Sill, and the intelligent use they made of ample capital 
and well-directed enterprise, together with what was done in the 
same line by some of the older residents of the village, told most fa- 
vorably on the growth and prosperity of Cooperstown. The Coopers- 
town railroad was built and opened for travel ; a steamer was placed 
on the lake ; the Union School and new Catholic church were built ; 
the Susquehanna at the outlet was spanned by a new iron bridge that 
cost upwards of $12,000 ; a "Village Improvement Society" was or- 
ganized, which did much good work ; scores of new, and many of 
them costly and elegant, dwellings, and stores and public buildings, 
were erected. We narrate the progress of events more in detail : 

1861. — Extensive improvements were made, during the month of 
February, on the Presbyterian church edifice, and those begun a few 
months previous on the Universalist church, completed during the 
same month. 

Col. John H. Prentiss appeared for the last time in public life in 
February of this year, when he went to a State Convention held at 
Albany to consider the state of the nation, as one of the four dele- 
gates appointed to represent this Assembly District. His health be- 
gan to fail in the spring, and he died June 2(5. Thus passed away 
another of the men of rank of Cooperstown. He represented this 
District two terms in Congress, and was for 41 years editor of the 



TS mSTOEY OF C00PER8T0WK 

Freeman's Journal. He was President of the Second National Bank 
at the time of his death. 

Mr. E. S. Coffin was appointed Postmaster of this village in March. 

During the spring, many Union Meetings, for the purpose of sus- 
taining the loyal cause, were held throughout the entire county, and 
were addressed by active Democrats and Republicans, eliciting great 
interest and enthusiasm. 

In May there was a subscription circulated for aid in forming a 
military company, to which there was a generous response. 

In the latter part of May, the ladies of Cooperstown generously 
volunteered to furnish 1,000 "Havelocks" for soldiers in service near 
Washington. This was followed by other similar work on their behalf. 

The streets of Cooperstown, which had hitherto been illuminated 
only by the "dim religious light" which a few oil lamps aiforded, very 
gladly welcomed the introduction of gas, for which a petition had 
been in circulation in June of this year. 

The benevolence of our citizens was again exhibited in August, by 
a subscription of l$3W0 in aid of sick and wounded soldiers. 

In the latter part of this month, forty volunteers left Cooperstown 
to join the van-guard rifle regiment. 

A great outrage was perpetrated here in September, in the arrest 
of Mr. George L. Bowne, a native of this town, who resided in Flori- 
da at the outbreak of the war, and who had voted against secession 
in the legislature of that State Moved by some representations 
made by an enemy — or by some person seeking to make money out 
of the affair — the authorities at Washington sent an officer here to 
arrest Mr. Bowne and convey him to Fort Lafayette. The affair cre- 
ated great excitement and much hard feeling. Mr. Bowne, who was 
in rather poor health at the time, was released after a confinement of 
two weeks. He built the "iron-clad" block, in which this book was 
printed, and put up the building on Lake street now owned by Mr. 
E. F. Beadle. 

1862.^ — For the first time in a number of years, there was a general 
celebration of Washington's birthday, and the Rev. S. T. Livermore 
read the notable Farewell Address. 

On the night of the 10th of April occurred a great conflagration, 
that destroyed at least one-third of the business portion of Coopers- 
town. The alarm was sounded at half -past 10 o'clock, and the une- 
qual battle with the flames lasted till near daylight. The fire origi- 
nated in the cabinet shop of E. Edwards, near the Cory store build- 
ing, and it swept away all the stores and shops on that side of Main 
street, except the latter, from W. G. Smith's east to Pioneer street ; 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 



79 



by desperate efforts it was prevented from crossing the latter street, 
though the buildings on the two opposite corners were several times 
on fire. It then crossed Main street, destroyed three hotels and other 
building's, and extended up the west side of Pioneer street as far as Mr. 
Phinney's house. Fortunately there was no strong wind blowing at 
the time, indeed it was perfectly quiet till 2 o'clock in the morning, 
or a much greater damage would have been inflicted on the village. 
We never saw firemen work with more hearty zeal or intelligence 
than were displayed on this occasion ; and men and women aided in 
passing buckets of water, and in removing and caring for furniture 
and goods. The following is a list of the number of buildings burned, 
the number of occupants, value and insurance : 

Build- No. of 
Owners. ings. occupants. Value. Insurance. 

L. J. AValworth 2 3 t!3,()00 

H. Groat 3 1 2,000 $1,000 

D. Peck, 3 1 2,000 1,000 

Kipp & Grant, 2 2 2,500 

J. H. Burgess, 3 .5 4,000 3,000 

Wm. Lewis 6 1 7.000 2,000 

W. Van Booskirk, 1 1 1,200 

W. C. Keyes, 6 3 4,000 

Mrs. Carr 2 1 2,000 

Z. Willoughby 1 .. 1.50 

A. Robinson, 1 2 1 ,000 800 

L.Brown, 3 3 1,200 

E. & H. Cory, 2 1 1,.500 

J. F. Scott & Co., 2 1 2,.o00 1,000 

J. J. Short, 2 2 1,700 

E. & H. Cory, 3 1 500 

J.Wood, 3 1 1,500 

Bingham k Jarvis 3 2 4,000 2,000 

H. Hollister, 2 2 2,200 

S.Nelson, 3 2 5.000 2,500 

H. N. Robinson, 1 5 1 ,H00 1,200 

McXamee s estate, 3 . . 500 ...... 

Other property, damaged about. . . . .. 1,500 

Total, 57 40 $52,750 $14,500 

Some of the parties interested, placed their losses somewhat higher 
than the above. On the other hand, most of those lots made vacant 
by the fire, were thus largely increased in value. 



80 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

The losses on personal property at this fire were given at the time 
as follows : 

E. & H. Cory, $55,000 A. Robinson, % 350 

Edward Edwards, 2,300 Daniel Peck, 500 

H. Holister, 300 John J. Short, 1,500 

G. M. Grant & Co., 1,200 Geo. Jarvis, 200 

J. G. Cooke 1,200 Mrs. Sherman, 1 50 

W. C. Keyes, 1,200 John Wood 5O0 

Mrs. (;arr, 1,000 Loomis Brown, ;!00 

Harmon Groat, 500 W. G. S. Hall, 1,H()() 

Lewis Bundy, 200 Wm. Lewis, 3,00i» 

Bingham & Jarvis, 3,500 John Burgess, 300 

H. N. Robinson, 800 B. F. Kipp, SOD 

C. R. Burch, 100 Others, tenants, 1,300 



Total, .f27,500 

Messrs. A. R(jbinson, H. N. Robinson, Peck, Burch, were fully 
insured, and Bingham & Jarvis for $1,500. 

Total direct loss by this conflagration, about !i?80,250 ; insurance 
$517,750. The incidental loss was also considerable. 

On the Monday night following this conflagration, a fire caught in 
the barn of the Otsego Hotel, corner of Main and Fair streets, and 
that entire property, and the dwelling house and barn of Mr. William 
K. Bingham, were destroyed. The total loss was about .f 10,000 ; in- 
surance ig4,000. The hotel was owned by H. B. Ernst. For a time 
this second fire cast an additional gloom over the village. Now, only 
one hotel, the Empire House, was left standing in Cooperstown. 

What was at first very naturally regarded as a public calamity, in 
which individuals suffered considerable loss^ — though only a few of 
them were unable easily to bear it — in the end proved of great and 
lasting benefit to the place. It afforded an opportunity to make 
Main street of uniform width throughout its entire length— a great 
and very desirable iniprovement. The expense was largely met by 
private subscription. And then followed the erection of the Central 
Jiotel, the "Iron CUad" and other fine brick and stone buildings on 
Main street, the Clinton House and Mr. Kipp's large brick house on 
Pioneer street, the Nelson block of stores, corner of Main and Chest- 
nut streets, and other im[)rovements. Cooperstown "arose from her 
ashes' a new and far more beautiful town — and still the improve- 
ments are gradually going on as store after store follows the Bundy 
block on the old "Eagle Hotel lot." 

(hi the 25th of April, a public meeting was held in the Gourt 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 81 

House, at which steps were taken to' collect funds to aid those few 
persons who had been impoverished by the recent fires. 

The buildings burned were located as follows : L. J. Walworth's 
dwelling, on a lot now embraced in the grounds of P^lihu Phinney ; 
Harmon Groat's building, once occupied as a piano factory, on lot 
now occupied by F. Carroll's paint shop ; Daniel Peck's hotel, on the 
present Clinton House grounds ; B. F. Kipp's dwelling, next north ; 
J. H. Burgess, north of alley between him and Kipp, three shops 
and Hall above, on ground once occupied by Stephen Gregory's old 
shoe manufactory and a small residence ; the Eagle Hotel on the 
corner, now occupied, together with a portion of the Burgess lot, by 
the Bundy block ; a wooden building owned by V\'m. Van Buskirk, 
and occupied by W. G. S. Hall as a saloon, next west of the Eagle 
hotel, now occupied by brick stores ; W. C. Keyes' hotel, once known 
as the Isaac Fitch hotel, on which the Central hotel now stands ; 
Carr's hotel, once called the Widow Fitch hotel, now partly occupied 
by the Bowen block and the vacant lot east ; the pi-esent Carr's hotel 
stands partly on the Esek Bradford card factory lot, and partly on 
the Judge Foote lot, whose residence forms a part of that house. On 
the north side of Main street. A. Robinson's "town pump grocery," 
rebuilt ; Loomis Brown's building, occupied as a bakery, and residence 
above, not rebuilt ; E. & H. Cory s shop, occupied by E. Edwards, 
part of lot vacant, partly occupied by W. E. Cory's store ; J. F. Scott 
k Co., store, stood next east ; John J. Short, store and residence, next 
east ; E. k H. Cory's shop, barns and sheds, in rear of stone building 
now owned by A. J. Wikoff ; John A^ood, market and dwelling stood 
on same ground now occupied by him ; Bingham k Jarvis and PF, 
Hollister, two stores, now occupied by "iron clad" building ; S. Nel- 
son, two stores, occupied by Grant k Co. and Joseph G. Cooke, next 
adjoining on the east ; H. N. Robinson, stores occupied by self and 
C. R. Burch, corner Main and Pioneer streets. 

The buildings which were erected on the burnt district within 
about a year after the iire, were as follows : Double brick building, 
corner of Main and Pioneer streets, by H. N. Robinson, afterwards 
! purchased by J. H. Story, now owned by his sister Mrs. A\'m. E, 
Taylor of Binghamton ; two brick buildings adjoining on the west, 
by the late Judge Nelson, and still owned by his estate ; the large 
and elegant brick building, with iron front, two stores, othces and 
public Hall, with brick bakery in rear, by George Ij. Bowne, now 
owned by Asahel A. Jarvis ; a handsome stone building, dwelling 
and market, by John AV'ood, and still occupied by him ; a double 
frame building, with brick front, for two stores and dwelling, by 
John J. Short, who still occupies the dwelling part ; a brick building 

6 



82 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

by John F. Scott, who still occupies the upper stories in his hop and 
wool business ; a brick store by E. & H. Cory, who were succeeded 
by the present occupant, Wm. E. Cory ; a frame building, called the 
"town pump grocery," by A, Eobinson, which has several times 
changed hands, and was recently purchased and remodeled by the 
present occupant, Harmon Groat. On the south side of Main street, 
the Central Hotel and Carr's Hotel — the former wholly new, the lat- 
ter in part a dwelling owned by Mrs. Carr which escaped the flames. 
The "Bowen block," two stores and offices, was put up by the law 
firm of Comitryman & Bowen, in 1875-'76. In 1880 the Bundy 
Brothers put up their double brick building, bank, store and postoffice, 
on a part of the old Eagle Hotel lot ; G. M. Grant & Co. put up their 
building adjoining, the year following ; then in '82 J. Warren Lamb 
& Co. put up a similar building adjoining ; followed by George L, 
White by his brick furniture store the next year. Two additional 
similar buildings adjoining on the west, are to be erected in the spring 
of 1886 — one by Charles E. Moore as a grocery store, and one by 
Wm. H. Michaels as a market and dwelling. South of the postoffice, 
on Pioneer street, Benj. F. Kipp put up a large brick dwelling in 1862, 
and Daniel Peck built the Clinton House, hotel, in 1867, and it was 
opened for business in the fall. 

On the 16th of May, a small dwelling house on Bay street owned 
by Winchester Chilcls was destroyed by fire. His loss was partly 
made up by the donations of a few liberal-hearted citizens. 

In the month of July the C-atholic Society of this village purchased 
ground for a cemetery on the hill west of the village, now owned by 
them. The consecration of the same, took place with imposing cere- 
monies on the first of August, 

On the 28th of July, a large wa^r meeting was held at the Court 
House, over which Judge Campbell of Cherry Valley presided. Ad- 
dresses were made by Hezekiah Sturges, Esq., and Judge Graves of 
Herkimer. 

In this year the government was making calls for large numbers of 
troops. The first meeting held for the purpcxse of voting a town 
bounty to Volunteers was held in the Court House, on the 8th of 
August, and $25 was voted. On the 29th of the same month the 
bounty was increased to $100. 

On the 12th of September, Carr's Hotel was reopened fo-r business,, 
having in a large degree been rebuilt since the fire. 

Silver change had become so scarce at this time, that the VVorthing- 
ton bank issued a large amount of small fractional notes. These were 
counterfeited at a later day, and the genuine were called in. Soo» 
after this the government issued fractional notes, as low as three cents. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 83 

So many persons had engaged in this business that the government 
wliolly interdicted it. 

I)r Lathrop and E, M. Harris, Esq., were appointed commissioners 
for examining the men subject to draft into the military service of 
the government. They were kept very busy at this work through the 
month of October. 

In November, Edwin M. Harris, Esq., was appointed County Judge, 
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Hon. Levi, C. Tur- 
ner, who had accepted a position at Washington, under Judge Advo- 
cate-General Holt. Mr. Turner died in Washington, while holding 
this office, March 14, 1867, aged 61 years. 

1863.— A new firm announced this spring, that of Cockett& Mur- 
dock — JSlr. Harvey Marvin, late with the former, having died. 

On the 1st of April, Judge Nelson started the "up-streef move- 
ment, then so much discussed among business men, by breaking 
ground for his brick block of two stores, corner of Main and Chest- 
nut streets, 

A great laugh was raised in the village one day in April, when it 
was made known that a couple of desperate fellows in the old county 
jail had made their escape, after locking in the Sheriff and Dr. Thos, 
JB, Smith, physician to the jail ! 

The residence on Chestnut street, occupied by Eev, G. T, Wright, 
was destroyed by fire on the night of April 27 — Mr, Wright losing 
considerable personal proj^erty. 

Here, as elsewhere, the 30th of April ^v^as a gloomy day, being 
generally observed as a day of National Fasting and Prayer. 

On the 1st of May, after the passage of the Albany and Susque- 
hanna Railroad bill, which was finally approved by the Governor, 
(Horatio Seymour.) a pviblic meeting was held in this village to con- 
sider the matter of building a bran-ch road, to connect with it. On 
this occasion L, J, Walworth presided, and W. H. Bunn was secre- 
tary. The meeting was addressed by Engineer Edgerton. S, M, Shaw, 
and L. J, Walworth ; a committee was appointed, with L, I. Bur- 
ditt as chairman, to take further action. In February, 1865, another 
meeting organized a company, which elected the following gentlemen 
a first Board of Directors : L. I. Burditt, Wm. M, Clinton, Bufus 
Steere, J, P, Sill, G, W, Ernst, J, F, Scott, Calvin Graves, J, AV, 
Shipman, Geo, L, Bowne, AVm. Brooks. J, H, Story, Ellery Cory, 
and Dorr Russell ; :S2oO,000 was subscribed and ten per cent, of that 
amount paid in. In May of the same year the following officers 
were chosen at a meeting of the Directors : Euther 1, Burditt, presi- 
dent ; Josliua H. Stoiy, vice president ; George A. Starkweather, 



84 HISTORY OF C00PER8T0WN. 

secretary ; John F. Scott, treasurer. Surveying was commenced in 
November. 

The 50th anniversary of the Otsego County Bible Society, of 
which Mr. F. A. Lee was then president, was held in the Presby- 
terian church, on the 16th of June. 

On the 21st of August, Cooperstown was visited by a distinguished 
party of gentlemen, led by vSecretary Seward, and including the fol- 
lowing Foreign Ministers : Lord Lyons of England, Baron (^erolt 
of Prussia, M. Molina of Nicaragua, M. Tassara of Spain, Baron 
Stroeckel of Kussia, M. Mercier of France, together with the repre- 
sentatives of Italy, Sweden and Chili, and several Secretaries and 
attaches of the different legations. They were handsomely enter- 
tained by different prominent citizens of the place, and they were 
entertained together at one of the Points on the Lake. On leaving 
they expressed themselves as vt-ry favorably impressed. 

In August of this year there was great excitement, here and else- 
where, over the draft for this District, which took place in Noi-wicb. 
Otsego county was called upon to furnish 985 men for the army. 
And then, too, there was an "income tax" to pay, for the first 
time, in the fall. 

B. & H. Cory were among those who built new stores this year, 
and they changed from the old stone store, which had escaped the 
flames, and which they had occupied for 34 years. 

To help the unfortunate ones "out of the draft," the bounty of- 
fered by the town of Otsego, for Volunteers, was increased to $600 
in December — when notice was given that the quota of the county, 
under the next draft, would be 693 men. 

1864. — In the latter part of January the Catholic society added 
about $400 to their church fund, the net proceeds of a successful 
festival Jield at that time. 

The three Banks of the village decided in the early part of the year 
to adopt the "National" system. 

Washington's Birthday was the occasion of a benevolent action on 
the part of some of our farmers, in generously donating wood to cer- 
tain poor widows of this place. 

The announcement of a new telegraph line to Herkimer, via Riclv 
field, was made on the 1st of March. It has lately passed under the 
control of the great Western Union. 

The patriotic and enterprising ladies of Cooperstown netted $557 
from a fair held under their auspices, for the benefit of the soldiers, 
in July. 

On the 4th of August, a National Fast was observed by a Union 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 85 

Service, the Kev. W. N. Newell of the Presbyterian church preach- 
ing the sermon. 

In September the army quota of the town of Otsego was filled, and 
no drafted men were sent. The bounty had been raised to .f 1,025, 
for the war ; and in December the town bounty was increased to 
^800 for "three years' men." 

Gov. Seymour, who was the Democratic Presidential candidate 
this year, addressed a political mass-meeting in tliis village, in Oct. 

1865. — Lieut. Morris Foote returned to his home in Cooperstown, 
in January, having happily made his escape from a rebel prison. His 
brother, Frank Foote lost a leg in the battle of the Wilderness, and 
was for a long time thought to have been killed. 

In February, G. A. Starkweather, Esq., after a residence of about 
nine years in Milwaukee, returned to Cooperstown, his former resi- 
dence, and resumed the practice of the law. 

Cooperstown Seminary was purchased in February by Wm. M. 
Clinton, who repaired the building with a large outlay, and in the 
month following. Mr. R. C. Flack retired from his management of 
the institution, of about five years' duration. Prof. George Kerr, a 
most successful instructor, assuming charge as principal on the open- 
ing of the spring term in April, with a greatly improved and newly 
furnished building, and a large attendance of scholars. Mr. Clinton 
sunk a large sum of money in this venture. 

In April occurred an impromptu celebration of the ''Capture of 
Richmond," the program consisting simply of the usual demonstra- 
tions of victory — ringing of bells, firing of guns, and blazing bonfires. 
A little later in the month, the rejoicing at the surrender of Gen. 
Lee was manifested by a similar celebration. There was great joy 
manifested. 

In the latter part of the month, Cooperstown was shrouded in 
gloom at the melancholy death of President Lincoln. Appropriate 
religious services were held on the 21st, in Bowne Hall, and a funeral 
oration delivered by Rev. C. K. McHarg. 

The first day of June was observed as an occasion of humiliation 
and mourning on account of the assassination of the President. A 
union service was held in the Presbyterian church. 

The patriotism of our citizens was evinced by quite an elaborate 
celebration of the 89th anniversary of American Independence, there 
being a procession, oration, etc., during the day, and a fine display of 
fireworks in the evening. Wm. H. Averell, Esq., was President of 
the Day ; (^eo. W. Ernst, Marshal ; Hon. Geo. H. Andrews, Orator ; 
Rev. C. K. McHarg, Reader ; Rev, E. R. Sawyer, Chaplain. 



86 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

A building in the rear of the Seminary, used as laundry and wash- 
house, was burned in the latter part of September ; the loss was 
about $3,500. 

The "Pioneer Boat Club," organized in September, comprised about 
twenty-five such "young fellows" as Dr. Lathrop, D. A. Avery, B. F. 
Murdock, Rev. C. K. McHarg, S. G. Browning, Rev. E. R. Sawyer, 
F. G. Lee, S. M. Shaw, Dr. Blodgett, S. A. Bowen, Oapt. P. P. Coop- 
er, W. H. Ruggies, G. P. Keese, E. Phinney, John Worthington, and 
others. Most of them became very expert, the following summer, 
in "catching crabs" in their costly and elegant six-oared cedar boat 
— which was not put into water after the second season, and was 
finally sold for about what the oars cost ! 

1866. — The purchase of the Phoenix Factory by Mr. John F. Scott 
was announced in January. He expended about i$75,00O in improve- 
ments on this property, which he fitted up as a woolen manufactory ; 
but the venture proved unfortunate. 

Another free lecture course was in progress during the winter 
months of this year. 

Several deaths from that terrible disease "spotted fever," occurred 
here during the spring. 

Principally through the efforts of Miss Susan F. Cooper, a "Thanks- 
giving Hospital" was established, or rather efforts were begun for its 
establishment, by the people of the village, among whom a subscrip- 
tion list was circulated, in July. A brief history of this institution 
occurs elsewhere. 

On the last day of July, a sad accident was recorded, the drowning 
in Otsego lake of a young son of the Rev. Dr. Alfred B. Beach of 
New York, then a visitor here. 

St. Mary's Catholic society of Cooperstown broke ground for their 
new brick edifice in October. 

The report of the Supervisor of the town of Otsego, in November, 
showed that this town had paid for bounties, during the late war, 
!$184,068 . 75 — about one-half of which fell upon this village. 

The "Young Men's Association of Cooperstown" organized, with E. 
Phinney president. One thousand dollars were subscribed and ex- 
pended ; a fine room rented and handsomely furnished ; a library es- 
tablished, magazines and newspapers obtained. But the "young 
men," as a body, took very little interest in the society, we are com- 
pelled to record, and it languished and finally died, at the end of a 
few years. 

1867. — The reading rooms of the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion was opened on the first of February. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 87 

Rev. Dr. Kerr, after a successful principalship of two years, re- 
tired from his connection with the Seminary, and Mr. Clinton leased 
the building to his brother-in-law. Rev. Orren Perkins, who opened 
the spring term, in March, and continued it as a school for about two 
years, when its career as such closed. Dr. Kerr died here on the 13th 
of that month. 

Quite a notable tea-party was that held at the residence of Capt. 
Cooper in March of this year, on which occasion the united ages of 
the ten ladies present were 703 years — the eldest, 82, the youngest, 
60 ; and their descendents numbered 1 82 persons, 'i'he following 
were the ladies present : Mrs. Pope, Mrs. Wm. Wilson, Mrs. Calvin 
Graves, Mrs. Field, Mrs. Luther Blodgett, Mrs. Levi H. Pierce, Mrs. 
Martha Murdock, Mrs. S. Van Sice, Mrs. Richard Cooley, Mrs. 
Sam'l W. Bingham. 

On the last day of May, a meeting was held to discuss the condi- 
tion of the bridge over the Susquehanna, and the desirability of 
building a new and substantial one, the cost of which was estimated 
at about .^12,000. The project was carried to a successful result. 

The corner stone of St. Mary's Catholic church, ground for which 
had been broken about nine months previous, was laid with imposing 
ceremonies in June. Its dedication occurred in December, Bishop 
Conroy preaching the sermon. 

Carelessness with fire-arms was then not so common a cause 
of serious accident, it seems, as at the present time, but one instance 
is recorded in August of this year, when a young German man-servant 
employed in one of the families of the village, with great recklessness, 
pointed a gun, not supposing it loaded, at a female servant, and dis- 
charging it, killed her instantly. The fellow got off without the 
punishment which many thought he deserved. 

A fair was held in August, for the benefit of the proposed "Thanks- 
giving Hospital," the gross receipts of which were ^940. This suc- 
cessful venture led to the dedication of the Hospital in November of 
the same year. 

Three Mile Point was the scene of a merry-making on the 30th of 
August, when an old-fashioned lake party assembled there, attended 
by several of the "Old Guard," such as Messrs. Nichols, Averell, 
Crippen and Starkweather, and on this as on all similar occasions, the 
veteran "Joe Tom" was general caterer. Very few such parties have 
been held there since that time. 

The "Clinton House" was completed and opened for business by 
Daniel Peck, in September. In this he had been aided by J. H. 
Story and Calvin Graves. 

The 15th of October was observed as "General Training Day" at 



88 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWK. 

Cooperstown, Cols. Dunbar and Hubbard being in command, and the 
two regiments were reviewed by Major General Burnside of the State 
militia and staff. That ended the "training days" in Cooperstown. In 
the ranks were a large number of men who had participated in the 
Civil AVar. 

Several attempts at burglary were made in October of this year, 
one successful raid being made on the dwelling of I. K. Williams, 
whose house was entered on the night of Oct. 26th, robbed of 1554, a 
silver watch, and several other articles. 

Ex-Gov. Seymour visited Cooperstown in October, and after a 
serenade by the Boston Brass Band, he made an address from the 
piazza of the Empire House. A large number of the villagers called 
on him to pay their respects. 

At a district school meeting held in November, it was resolved 
that legal steps should be taken for disposing of the two little old 
wooden buildings and sites then belonging to School District No. 1, 
town of Otsego, and the proceeds devoted toward the erection of a 
new brick school building ; and that the sum of $6,000 additional 
should be raised for the same purpose. 

A slight shock of earthquake was experienced in Cooperstown and 
vicinity, on the 18th of December, It was very sensibly felt by a 
number of people in the village. 

1 868. — The 1st of January, the Freeman's Journal appeared en- 
larged to a nine-cokinm paper The Republican enlarged to the same 
size soon after. Neither of these papers has ever adopted the prac- 
tice, now so common among country newspapers, of using stereotype 
plates got up for their use in the cities — giving cheaper and poorer 
reading. 

On the 14th of February, a second school meeting was held, at 
which it was determined to purchase a lot of ground on Susquehanna 
avenue, and proceed with the erection of a new District School House, 
in the spring. It was resolved, also, that a tax levy of i^5,000 should 
be made and the old lots sold at auction. On the 4th of July, work 
had so far progressed that the corner stone was laid, on which occasion 
Rev. C'. K. McHarg male an appropriate address. The building was 
finished and the school opened in October of the following year, with 
an attendance of over 200 pupils. The cost of building and lot was 
about .^14,000. It was an improvement that was not accomplished 
without strong opposition ; but from the start the school was such a 
success, that very few indeed regretted its cost. Mr. H. G. Howe was 
the the first principal; Miss Gaylord, preceptress ; Miss Ball, assist- 
ant. Thomas Clark was chairman of the building committee under 
whose supervision the school house was erected. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 89 

Work was actually begun, in February, 1 868, the contract for build- 
ino- the Cooperstovvn R. R. having been let to James Keenholtz. In 
February of the next year, the depot was located, and Mr. J. F. Scott 
succeeded Mr. Burditt as president of the company, and in July the 
road was opened for business, the event being celebrated by the usual 
demonstrations of joy, firing of cannon and ringing of bells. The old 
"Colliersville stage" retired from service, making its farewell trip the 
day of the opening of the railroad. The town of Otsego bonded in 
the sum of $150,000, the town of Middlefield in the sum of ;^oO,Oii(», 
and individuals subscribed $58,405, to aid in the construction of this 
railroad. 

The entrance of March this year was in the traditional lion-like 
manner, the mercury standing at 22° below zero on the 1st. 

The opening to patients of the Thanksgiving Hospital, occurred 
on the 1st of June. 

The summer season of this year was the warmest in more than 
twenty years, the thermometer ranging for four consecutive days from 
91° to 96°; such weather as prompted Sidney Smith to long "to 
take off his flesh, and sit in his bones." 

The long-talked-of hotel on the "Otsego Hotel lot," was announced 
in August as soon to be built, causing much discussion in the newspa- 
pers as to the pros and cons of the project. This building, which 
financially swamped all the capital expended on it, now standing in 
its unfinished and slowly decaying sta<^e, is known as the "Skeleton 
Hotel," a very appropriate name. Its cost was about $57,000, and it 
was sold at auction to Mr. George Clarke for $9,<>00,on the collapse of 
the unfortunate enterprise. For several years past it has been used 
for storing hops. The "Otsego Lake Building Association." which 
constructed it, went into the hands of H. Sturges, Esq., as receiver, in 
May, 1872. 

Our genial legal friend. Counselor George Brooks, paid a rather 
novel bet, lost on Horatio Seymour, by wheeling a barrel of flour from 
the Court House to the bridge over the Susquehanna, when, instead of 
making a hasty retreat, nothing abashed, he mounted the barrel and 
made a speech. It is thought ^hat this experience cured him of his 
Democracy, as he has not since then acted with the party in which he 
was nurtured. 

Simon Van Sice was a veteran and pensioner of the war of 1812. 
having served under Gen. Scott in two or three engagements. On the 
"golden wedding" anniversary of himself and wife, which occurred in 
November, they were kindly remembered by their many friends, one 
.from Poughkeepsie sending a substantial gift of $50. Mrs. Van Sice 
is now the only person on this corporation drawing a pension for the 



90 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

services of her husband in "the second war of American indepen- 
dence." 

1869. — Mr. Henry F. Phinney had returned to Cooperstown with a 
handsome fortune, with an increased love for his native village, and 
with great confidence in its future growth and prosperity, toward 
which he resolved to devote his time and money. He was a liberal 
subscriber to every good object and true charity. The Seminary 
property had passed into the possession of the Second National Bank, 
by which it was sold to Mr. Phinney in January, and in it he sunk 
not far from .$ (i.o,000. The interior of the building was changed and 
improved, to fit it for the purposes of a summer hotel ; the exterior 
and the grounds were greatly improved ; new outbuildings were erect- 
ed, and, new furniture added. When completed, the building was 
named the "Cooper House," and it was leased to Charles A. Watkins 
of Albany, who continued its landlord for two years. He was a pop- 
ular young man, but he lacked capital, and mainly on that account 
was not successful in the business. 

In January, S. M. Ballard sold the Empire House to J. H. McDon- 
ald, of Delaware county, who sold it to Edward Clark and J. H. 
Story in the spring of 1871 ; they spent about !$4,00() on it, named it 
the "St. James," leased it to D. L. Keyes, and it burned down in No- 
vember, 1872. Loss on builaing about $14,000 ; on furniture, about 
$2.5011. 

In April, there was an unusually heavy fall of rain (2| inches in one 
night) causing the creek running through the village to overflow, carry- 
ing away a part of the culvert under Main street and doing a damage 
of about $1,000. Other localities were also damaged. 

This was a year of great activity among builders and others in 
Cooperstown. During most of the summer and fall about one hun- 
dred carpenters, masons and painters were employed here Mr. Ed- 
ward Clark's stone mansion was erected, the first sash and blind fac- 
tory — the capital for which was furnished by Mr. H. F. Phinney — the 
school house completed, the Seminary changed to a hotel, and a num- 
ber of dwellings erected. 

In September, Capt. D B. Boden brought here by railroad a small 
steamboat, which it was stated had been used as a gunboat in southern 
waters during the war, carrying a single gun. It attracted no small 
attention as it was conveyed through Main street on trucks to the 
dock. It was enlarged and improved, named the "Mary Boden," and 
placed upon the lake the following summer. The "toot" of its whistle 
was not very loud, and one day Mr. J. P. Sill — who had been very ac- 
tive in aid of the Cooperstown railroad— joked the Captain on that 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 91 

fact, who replied : "You wait till I obtain the consent of this village 
to bond for about .^50,000 for a steamer, and I will show you a steam 
whistle that will drown the sound of both the locomotive whistles !' 

Tn September, the County Agricultural Society purchased of Spaf- 
ard & Hooker the 26 acres of land now owned and occupied by the 
same near the corj oration limits, 

1870, — An old lady, named Bice, living in an old house opposite the 
Court House, called "F^ull's Head," supposed to be very poor and needy, 
who had been aided many years by the town, died in January, and 
^800 in coin were found among her eifects. 

A fair, for the benefit of the Cemetery Gateway Fund, held in 
March, netted $5250. 

In March, the old jail was again '-presented" by the Grand Jury, and 
the same month a bill was introduced in the legislature "to facilitate 
the construction of new county buildings at Cooperstown." 

At the opening of the spring term of Union School, Mr. John G. 
Wight was given the position of Principal — a ])lace so long filled by 
him, with satisfaction to those most deeply interested in the welfare 
of the school. 

In July, the village Trustees decided on extending Fair street through 
the "Cooper grounds," and Counselor Brooks was most active in the 
work. The way extended directly over the foundation walls of the 
"Hall." 

This summer witnessed the presence of a large number of city vis- 
itors in Cooperstown — one of the best seasons the village has ever ex- 
perienced. 

A concert and sale for the benefit of the Thanksgiving Hospital, 
netted about ^400. 

Early in September, a "Village Improvement Society" was organ- 
ized in Cooperstown, for the general purpose of caring for the various 
points of interest, etc., in the vicinity. It did considerable good work. 

The Baptist church of Cooperstown reopened for worship the 1st 
of September, after having been enlarged and greatly improved at a 
cost of about i$4,000. 

Mr. Keenholtz, the late contractor for building the C. and S. Y. 
R. R., obtained a verdict against the company for $41,308 — the full 
amount claimed by him as the balance due him. The case was ap- 
pealed and a new trial granted. 

During this year, there were 22 dwellings erected on the corporation, 
a number of which were put up by Mr. H. F. Phinney. 



92 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

CHAPTER XI. 

FROM 1871 TO 1881. 

Although this decade covered an extended season of general hard 
times throughout the county, Cooperstown experienced very little of 
its effects ; even the individual cases were few among our citizens. 
The village grew and flourished, 1871 witnessing the erection of about 
30 dwellings, including that of Fred. G. Lee on Lake street, after- 
wards purchased and doubled in size by Mrs. Jane R. Carter, and the 
completion of the large brick dwelling put up on Main street by Mr. 
Joshua H. vStory at a cost of about .f 20,000. A large steamer was 
put on the lake ; the Fire Department was for the first time properly 
organized, and new apparatus bought ; the Hotel Fenimore was built ; 
a large addition made to the Union School building ; a new Jail and 
Sheriff's residence, and then a Court House erected ; the threatened 
bankruptcy of the Cooperstown railroad prevented ; the Pioneer 
Mills erected at a cost of about $45,000 ; the Aqueduct Association 
enlarged its supply of water to meet the growing demands of the 
village ; the census of 1880 showed a gratifying increase in the popu- 
lation of the place. In detail the record shows : 

1871. — Mr. George Story, at an expense of several thousand dollars, 
added a new story to his brick block on Main street, adjoining his 
brother's new house — all now known as the Ballard House. 

In January, the Village Improvement Society of Cooperstown took 
a lease of Three Mile Point, at a nominal rent, for 25 years, of Mr. 
Wm. Cooper of Baltimore, who owns that small but valuable piece 
of lake property. 

In the same month Mr. J. R. Worthington sold the circulation of 
his bank to certain parties in Oneonta, who established the "First 
National" bank of that village, Mr. Worthington being one of its 
stockholders and directors. He also continued in business as a pri- 
vate banker in this village. 

In the month of April, the old "Bull's Head" property, once kept 
as a hotel, was demolished by Mr. Phinney. In this hotel, Mr. Thur- 
low Weed was a boarder while working at his trade as a printer in 
this village, and there became engaged to be married to the daughter 
of Mr. Ostrander, then the proprietor, and a few years later they 
were married. Mr. Weed visited this village the followino; summer, 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 93 

when the editor of this book, who had known him for over twenty 
years, had a long conversation with him in regard to occurrences here 
while Mr. Weed was a resident. 

Dr. Blodgett was appointed P. M. at Cooperstown on the first of 
May, and remained in office for nearly nine years. 

As rather an unusual event, it may be mentioned, that there was a 
slight fall of snow here on the 7th day of May. 

The Cooper House was this year leased to Coleman & Maxwell, 
who opened it on the i5th of June, and had a very successsul season. 

The new steamer "Natty Bumppo," owned principally by Messrs. 
A. H. Watkins and Elihu Phinney, had her trial trip on the 4th day 
of July. A few days later a set of colors was formally presented the 
boat by a few citizens of the village. 

On the 3d August, Professor Maillefert gave an exhibition of the 
modus operandi of sub-marine blasting, on Lake Otsego, which was 
witnessed by a large number of highly interested spectators. 

The Scotchmen of this village and surrounding country this year 
organized a society and held their first annual meeting at Three 
Mile Point. Addresses were made by Rev. Mr. McHarg of this vil- 
lage, and Hon. Wm. W. Campbell of Cherry Valley. 'J'hey had a 
genuine Scotch piper present, who furnished the music. 

In October the people of this village showed their sympathy for the 
sufferers by the great Chicago fire, by contributing about ^800 in 
money and many useful articles of clothing. 

1872. — In January Mr. De Cordova opened a lecture course here 
with a humorous essay. 

The firm of Newell & Pank took possession of the new sash and 
blind factory as lessees, and opened it for business on the 17th of 
January. 

On the 7th of March the papers announced the death of Hon. 
Schuyler Crippen, then one of the oldest members of the Bar of Ot- 
sego county. He had sold his place on River street to Mr. H. M. 
Hooker, and was a boarder at Carr's Hotel. 

On the night of the 11th of July, the steamer "Natty Bumppo," 
which had just fairly commenced its season of running on the Lake, 
was destroyed by fire. There was a partial insurance, and the pres- 
ent steamer bearing that name was built, and launched in November, 

THE RETIRK.MENT OF JUDGE NELSON— THE HONORS PAID HIM. 

On the 28th of November Judge Samuel Nelson resigned his asso- 
ciate Justiceship of the U. S. Supreme Court. He might have been 
the Democratic candidate for President, at one time, had he consented 
to the use of his name before the national convention of that party. 



94 HISTORY OF COOPEBSTOWN. 

The Freeman's Journal of Dec. 5th, thus recorded an event which 
should have a place in this volume : 

The BesigudHou of Judge Nelson as one of ilie Justices of the Su- 
preme Court of the United States.— Aiter a service of twenty -eight 
years on the Bench of the Supreme Court of the United States, and 
twenty -two years as a Judicial Officer of his native State, Judge Nel- 
son on Thanksgiving day sent to the Secretary of State of the United 
States his resignation as one of the Justices of the Supreme Court, 
and it was accepted on the 1st inst. And thus closes a most remarka- 
ble and highly honorable and distinguished judicial career, covering a 
period of half a century. As to point of time and constant service, 
it is without precedent in this country or England, and we doubt if it 
has a parallel in the history of Jurisprudence. Lord xMansfield served 
32 years and Lord Eldon 28 years, and they were longest on the Bench 
of Great Britain ; Chief Justice Marshall was 34 years on the Bench, 
C/hief Justice Taney 30 years, Mr. Justice Story 34 years, and Chan- 
cellor Kent about 25 years — and of the distinguished Judges of this 
cjuntry they longest held judicial positions. 

Judge Nelson was appointed Judge of the Sixth Circuit, which in- 
cluded Otsego county, in April 1823, which position he held until 
February 1831, when he was made Associate Justice of the Supreme 
Court of the State of Xew York, and on the resignation of Chief 
Justice Savage, in 1837, he took his place. In February 1845 he was 
elevated to the Bench of the Supreme Court of the United States, 
where he has won the highest honor as a Judge of strong common 
sense, broad views, the highest sense of honor, and a ready grasp of 
weighty topics. On questions in admiralty law and intricate patent 
suits, a writer in a leading Philadelphia paper recently reuiarked, es- 
pecial deference was always paid to the opinions of Judge Nelson. 

The Judge has with slight exception always enjoyed robust health, 
and has never been absent from duty at the State or U. S. Courts but 
one term, that of last year. At the closing session of the Grand 
High Commission in the spring of '71, which had lasted seventy days, 
and was not only of vast importance, but at times very laborious, 
Judge Nelson took a severe cold from sitting several hours in a room 
not sufficiently warmed, and after his return honje was for several 
months confined to his house from its eflfects. From this he recovered, 
and for the past six months has enjoyed very comfortable health, while 
his mind has retained all its wonted force and vigor. 

'I'here has been a strong desire on the part of many of his friends 
and admirers in the legal profession, that Judge Nelson should remain 
on the Bench a few months longer, that his half-century of service 
might be fully rounded out ; it had even come to his knowledge indi- 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWJ^, 96 

rectly — what we heard spoken of in Albany last spring, and quite re- 
cently — that it was in contemplation by leading members of the I5ar 
in New York and other parts of the State to celebrate that event in a 
becoming manner, showing their high appreciation of him as a man 
and of his eminent services as a Judge ; but when it appeared evident 
to him that he could not go to Washington this winter and discharge 
the full duties of his office without running the risk of seriously jeop- 
ardizing his health — although still able to do all ordinary Chambers 
work — his strong sense of justice and duty impelled him to the course 
he has taken, feeling, as he unselfishly remarked, that with so much 
business pressing upon it, the Court needed the presence of an active 
working member in his place Judge Nelson completed his Judicial 
labors the week of his resignation by deciding an important and final 
motion on the taxation of costs, amount claimed about ^40,000, in a 
famous suit vdiich had been in the courts during half the longtime he 
has been on the Bench— the "hook-headed spike case," Troy Iron and 
Nail Factory, (Burden k (Jo.) vs. Erastus Corning and others. The 
motion was heard last spring, and the examination of voluminous 
papers took time and involved considerable labor. 

Judge Nelson reached the advanced age of 80 years on the 10th 
of last month, and his massive frame and strong mind and cheerful 
temperament, all give promise of the prolongation of a long and use- 
ful life. There is no question that we should have hailed him "Chief 
Justice" at the death of Judge Taney, had the Administration con- 
tinued in Democratic hands. 

Although the following letter from Secretary Fish is of a private 
character, it is so just, truly appreciative and well-deserved, that we 
have begged the privilege of publishing it—knowing full well that the 
public sentiment will be that the Secretary honors himself in honor- 
ing him to whom it is addressed, and that in speaking as warmly as he 
does he only expresses the feelings of the Judiciary, the Bar and the 
reading public wherever the venerable Judge is known : 

Washington, November 30, 1872. 
My Dear Judge : 

I have just received your letter of the 28th, inclosing your resigna- 
tion as an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court, and cannot allow 
the formality of an otlicial acknowledgment to go without the ex- 
pression of my personal regret that the time has come when you feel 
it your riglit to seek the repose to which an honored course entitles 
you, and that it falls to me to fill the paper which is to terminate your 
connection with the highest (Jourt of the country, and to separate you 
from the administration of Justice, to which for half a century you 
have contributed an an)ount of patient labor, and of learning, and a 



90 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

purity, dignity and impartiality which have commanded the confidence, 
esteem and admiration of an entire nation, and the acknowledgment 
of Jurists in other lands. 

Thanks, my dear Judge, for your congratulations on the result of 
the treaty, to whose negotiation you contributed so much learning and 
wisdom. It has had a "hard run' on both sides of the ocean, since it 
was launched on 8th May, 1871 — but it seems likely, at last, to vindi- 
cate itself, and to find a quiet resting place, in the security and confi- 
dence which it gives to two nations whose passions it has calmed. 

May years of "tranquil and happy life be yours, my dear Judge ; and 
allow me to subscribe myself. 

Very sincerely, your friend, 

HAMILTON FISH. 

Hon. Sam'l Nelson, Cooperstown, Otsego Co., N. Y. 

On the 1 9th of January, 1 873, a large meeting of the members of 
tlie Bar was held in the U. S. Oourt Room, New York, over which 
('harles O" Conor presided, to take suitable action on the resignation of 
Judge Nelson. Remarks were made by Messre. O'Conor, Pierrepont, 
('larence Seward, Kvarts, and others, and a brief address to Judge 
Nelson was adopted. A (;ommittee of distinguished members of the 
I'ar was appointed to present this address to Judge Nelson. 

A similar meeting was held by the Bar of Washington, Dec. 13th, 
1 872, and a letter was adopted, signed by all the leading Lawyers then 
in the city practicing in the Supreme Court of the U. S., and for- 
warded to Judge Nelson. The State Bar held a meeting in Albany, 
in 1873, and adopted an address which was presented him by Chan- 
cellor John V. L. Pruyn in the fall of that year. 

On the 13th day of February, 1883, the distinguished committee 
appointed by the New York meeting came here to present to Judge 
Nelson the address then adopted. The chairman. Judge Pierrepont, 
wns detained at home, and Mr. E. W. Stoughton took his place. His 
associates were seven leading mend)ers ol the bar ; and several U. S 
Judges, and other gentlemen, were present by invitation. eJudge Nel- 
son was briefly addressed by Mr. Stoughton and Judge Woodruff, in 
feeling terms, and the address was then presented. In reply Judge 
Nelson said : 

(jentlemen of the Committee— I cannot but feel extremely honored 
by this address of my brethren of the Bar on the occasion of my 
retirement from the Bench, not more from the friendly and compli- 
mentary opinions therein expressed than on account of the uimsual 
and extraordinary mark of respect and affection with which it has 
been presented ; anil 1 am the more deeply impressed with this mani- 



HISTORV OF COOPERSTOWN. 97 

festation, from the consideration that the gentlemen of the Bar who 
have originated and promoted this honor, some of whom are before 
nie. have been themselves not only eye-witnesses of the judicial ad- 
ministration which they so favorably commend, but in which many of 
them largely participated in their professional capacity. 

I shalfever recur to the sessions of the United States Circuit Court 
held in the city of New York, extending over a period of more than 
a quarter of a century, with pride and pleasure. The calendar was 
large and many of the cases important, involving great labor and 
responsibility. As an evidence of the magnitude of the business for 
many years the Court was held three months in the Spring and three 
in the Autumn of the year, and still left an unfinished calendar. But 
the gentlemen of the Bar concerned in the trials were intelligent, 
faithful to their clients and to the Court, whose learning and diligence 
in the prejmration greatly relieved the Judge of his labore, and whose 
professional deportment and respect banished from the court room 
every disturbing element, leaving free the full and undivided exercise 
of the faculties of the Court and counsel in their inquiry after the 
truth and justice of the case. No one knows better than the presiding 
Judge how essential this state of feeling between the Bench and the 
Bar is, not only to the ease and pleasure of both, but to the sound 
and successful administration of the law. 

I have said that the gentlemen of the Bar who have originated this 
unusual honor, have been eye-witnesses of the judicial service so highly 
commended. On the other hand T can say tliat I have witnessed their 
professional career from the beginning and until their present eminence, 
niany of whom hold my license to practice, granted when Chief Jus- 
tice of the Supreme Court of the State. The eminent chairman of 
the meeting, Mr. O'Conor, the eldest of them, is scarcely an exception. 
I'he first session of the Supreme Court of the State after my appoint- 
ment as Associate Justice was the May Term of 1831, held in the 
city of New York, more than forty-one years ago. He was then a 
young counselor, just rising in the profession. He held a good many 
briefs in cases before the Court from the young attorneys, and was 
struggling upwards, manfully and with youthful ardor, contending for 
the mastery against the aged and elder counselors at the Bar — Jay, 
Ogden, Colden, Munroe. the elder Slosson. Sherwood, Anthon, Duer 
and others, who then held almost a monopoly of the business before 
the Courts. 

The prevailing impression had beew and to a qualified extent was then 
among the junior members of the Bar, that the experienced seniors had 
the ear of the Court. This, according to tradition among them, had 
been undisguisedly so, and to a much larger extent, before the old and 



98 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

revered Supreme Court of the State. But even at the time I speak 
of, this feeling in the Court, and which vs^as perhaps not unnatural, 
had not entirely disappeared. It required, therefore, ability, courage 
and resolution on the part of the junior, to encounter this impression, 
which he must in some degree have felt in the trial of streng h against 
the experienced and favored senior. In the country, where I have 
always resided, Talcott, a young counselor, remarkable for intellectual 
power and legal learning at his age, opened the way, under some dis- 
couragements in the trial and argument of causes before the circuits 
and in bank. Other juniors, taking courage from his example, followed- 
lie was afterwards Attorney General of the State, the youngest coun- 
selor, I believe, ever appointed to that office in New York at the 
time, with perhaps the exception of Josiah Ogden Hoifman among 
the earliest of the Attorney Generals. 

I was still young when advanced to the Bench of the State, and, as 
was perhaps natural, my sympathies inclined toward the younger 
members of the Bar struggling upward and onward in their profession, 
and as far as was fit and proper they had my favorable consideration 
and kindness. 

I would do injustice to my feelings and cjnvictions if 1 dosed these 
few observations without making my acknowledgments to the Bar of 
the Second Circuit of my great indebtedness to them, for any judicial 
standing to which I may be entitled. Since my first advancement to 
the Bench, nearly half a century ago, I have had their uniform good 
will and friendship, liave been instructed by their learning and encour- 
aged by the expression of their favorable opinions. They have ever 
been not only ready but forward to economize and lighten the labors- 
of the Court when the amount of business pressed the hardest, even at 
the expense of their own personal convenience So uniform and habit- 
ual were these exhibitions of respect and friendship, that I felt when 
in Court and engaged in the administration of the law that T was sur- 
rounded, not in courtesy but in reality, by professional brothei-s, and 
that every error would be charitably considered and every act worthy 
of commendation would receive its full rewaixl. The address of the 
Bar of New York on the termination of my Judicial lab(3re, and in 
approbation of them, I look upon as the crowning reward, which will 
be a source of perpetual consolation in the decline of life, and so long 
as a kind Providence shall permit the speaker to lii:iger heve o-n earth 
in the enjoyment of faculties unimpaired." 

These proceeding's appeared in full in the Jomnial of Feb. 20, 1873 r 
which closes them by saying : After the delivery of the reply, the- 
Judge arose and received the congratulations of the Judges, the com- 
mittee, and others present. An elegant and sumptuous entertainment,. 



HISTORV OF COOPEHSTOWN. 99 

prepared by a noted caterer of Albany, followed. The committee and 
their friends were then treated to a sleigh-ride on the Lake ; a portion 
of the evening was spent with Judge Nelson, and the next mornino- 
they returned home, well pleased with the discharge of a pleasant duty, 
and with their winter visit to Cooperstown. The affectionate regard 
with which in private conversation they spoke of "the old Chief," his 
qualities as a eludge, a lawyer, and a man, showed the sincerity with 
which they had entered into this public demonstration — and they may 
rest assured that all they said found a warm response in the hearts of 
the fellow citizens of Judge Nelson. 

1873. — Joyful times among the merchants of Cooperstown at the 
opening of this year, when hops were selling at 55 cents a pound ! 

It is stated, on page 89, that the town of Otsego bonded to the ex- 
tent of i^l 50,000 in aid of the Cooperstown Railroad. To this sum 
the town afterwards added ^50,000, making the total amount $200,- 
000. The paid-up capital stock of the road is f 308,405, of which 
the town of Otsego owns nearly two-thirds. Its railroad debt at the 
date of the publication of this book, is $128,500, 

In March, 100,000 young bass and 20,000 salmon trout were placed 
in the lake. The hatching had been superintended by Capt. P. P. 
Cooper. 

The fire department of Cooperstown was re-organized in May, 
under the new law giving it a Chief Engineer with two Assistants — a 
movement which had been long advocated. The first chief was 
Marcus Field. 

The corner stone of the Hotel Fenimore was laid on the 30th day 
of June. 

On the 4th of July there was a grand celebration of the day in this 
village. Addresses were made by Rev. C. K. McHarg and Messrs. 
G. P. Keese and Edwin Countryman. A procession,"including the 
Fort Plain Fire Department, paraded the streets, and in the eveiiing 
an exhibition of fire works was given on the lake. As a remarkable 
fact, it did not rain ! 

In August, the Albany Zouave Cadets visited this village, and a 
grand ball was given at the Cooper House for their entertainment. 
While here they complimented Judge Nelson by a serenade. 

The 18th of September, the Hon. John Y. L. Pruyn of Albany pre- 
sented to Judge Nelson an address from the Bench and Bar of this 
State, as a testimonial of their regard and appreciation. It was a 
quiet and informal affair. 

On the morning of September 26, the village was startled at an 
early hour by the ringing of the Court House bell, the occasion of 



100 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWK 

which was to apprise the citizens of the fact that the house of Edward 
Edwards, the cabinet maker, had been entered just before daylight by 
three burglars, who had robbed Mr. E. of ^210 and a watch, shot him 
twice in the breast, and left him for dead. His daughter, who alone 
was in the house, gave the alarm, and the immediate neighbors went 
at once to her assistance. By that time, however, the men had 
escaped, and were never afterward caught, nor was any reliable clew 
to their identity ever obtained. Mr. Edwards died about three weeks 
later from the effects of his wounds, after enduring much suffering, 
and having been delirious most of the time. He was not able to give 
a very clear description of his assailants, and it remains to this day ^ 
mystery who they were. 

The Board of Supervisors of this county having decided to appro- 
priate $20,000 toward building a new Sheriff's residence and jail, on 
condition that the town of Otsego appropriate .f5,000 additional 
toward the same object, Mr. Luther I. Burditt, then the Supervisor 
of this town, at once gave his check for that amount, trusting to his 
fellow-citizens interested to reimburse him. To do so, it was resolved 
to raise the money by subscription, although a special act had been 
passed authorizing its levy upon the town. All but about $600 was 
voluntarily pledged, and by comparatively few citizens. The begging 
was principally done by Fayette Hinds, D. L. Birge and S. M. Shaw. 
Every dollar subscribed was collected by Supervisor Hinds, who suc- 
ceeded Mr. Burditt in office. He was a valuable worker in a good 
cause. Those who solicited subscriptions were constantly met with 
this remark : ''We approve of the project, and would willingly pay our 
tax toward it, but object to paying the taxes of other people, many of 
them rich and giving but little, and others rich or able as ourselves 
and giving nothing" — and with that sentiment almost every subscri- 
ber will heartily sympathize, when he notices the omissions. Volun- 
tary taxes for churches and charitable objects are all right — but in 
purely public matters like this, the money should be raised by a gen- 
eral tax. The following were the subscribers to the "jail fund :" 



Jedediah P. Sill, - - 


- $500 1 


L I. Burditt, - 


- $100 CO 


Edward Clark, - 


- 500 00 


Fiederick G, Lee, - 


100 oo 


H. F. Phinney, 


25U 00 


A. A Jarvis, 


- 100 oc 


W C Kejes, - - - 


- 200 00 


B. F. Murdock k Bro., - 


60 00 


Samuel Nelson, 


150 00 


K. Russfll k Co., 


50 00 


Mrs, Jane K. A. Carter, - 


- 100 uO 


F. M. Robinson, 


50 m 


Lois A. Carr and others. 


100 00 


R. Butler, 


. 50 oo 


Elihu Phinney, - 


- 100 00 


Jo/aiston Bro's, 


50 00 


Calvin Graves, 


100 00 


G. Ponieroy Keese, 


- 50 OO 


John Wood. 


- 100 00 


D. A. Avery, - 


50 OO 


Johnston & Field, - 


100 00 


W.H.Ruggles, - - 


' 50 OO 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 



101 



H. VI Hooker & Co., 
Geo, W. Ernst, 
S. M. Shaw, 
C. W. Smith, 
A. H. Watkins, 
J. I. Heudryx & Son, - 
J. K. Worthington, 
Sam'l S. Edick, - 
Sturges & Countryman 
G. M. Grant & Co , 
Ellery Cory, 
Andrew Shaw, 
Tyley & Hinman, 
Wm. Brooks, 
K. Quaif, - 
George Brooks, - 
K. A Lee, 
Griswold & White, 
Bowes & Jackson, 
Nelson Smith, 
C. K. McHarg, - 
Beadle & Soule, 



$50 00 
50 00 
50 00 
50 00 
50 00 
50 00 
60 00 
50 00 
50 00 
50 00 
50 00 
50 00 
40 00 
30 00 
25 00 
•25 00 
25 00 
25 00 
25 00 
25 00 
25 00 
25 00 



C. R. Burch, - 
Geo Jarvis & Co., 
John B. Hooker, - 
Sanford Casler, - 
McCabe Bro's, 
Smith & Spingler, 
John L McNamee, 
Jerome Fish, 
George B Wellman, 
C. Z. Gregory, - 
R. Spafard, - 
John Potts, 
Rufus Wikoff, 
Robt. Pearse 



Jarvis & Bliss, - - - - 25 00 

E. M. Harris, 

Walter H. Bunn, - 

Fayette Hinds, - 

John F. Scot", - 

P. H. Potter, 

Doubleday & Eldred, 

M. & J. Austin & Co., - 

B J. Scofield, - 

H. C. Fish, 

Lynes & Van Horn, - 

Samuel A Bowen, 

W.G. Smith, - 

E D. Shumway 

C. Childs, - - - - 

H. Groat, 

Chas. R. Hartson, 



N. D. Gray, - 

N. W. Cole, 

S. Harper, 

H. B. Wa ker, - 

D. E Siver, - 

Peter Sayles, 

J . D. Vanderwerken, - 

Orrin Benton, - 

Peter Hecker, 
25 00 John Pank. 
25 00 Frank Carroll, 
25 00 P. P Cooper, - 
25 00 H, L. Hinman, 
25 00 W. T. Bassett, - 
25 00 T. S. Blodgett, 
25 00 C. & L. Hinds, . 
25 00 W. K. Warren, 
25 00 John Hinds, 
25 00 Hills & Shumway, 
25 00 S. Irvin Haynes, 
20 00 Hosea Chapel, 
20 00 Albert Pieice, - 
20 00 Wm. C. Persons, - 
15 00 Buckingham Fitch, 
15 00 Charles Peck, 
The winter of 1873 gave us more than four months continuous 
sleighing. The ice remained in Otsego lake until the 4th of May, 
and the lake was again skimmed over on the morning of the 0th. Xo 
similar record had occurred for nearly 40 years, as shown by the 
record kept by Mr. G. P. Keese. " 

18 -i^- — January 1. — Governor Dix appointed Edwin Countryman, 



$15 00 


15 00 


15 00 


15 00 


15 00 


15 00 


10 00 


10 00 


10 00 


10 00 


10 00 


10 00 


10 00 


10 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 GO 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


5 00 


3 00 


3 00 


3 00 


2 00 


2 00 



102 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

Esq., Justice of the Supreme Court to fill vacancy. He was not an 
applicant for the place. 

A "mysterious stranger," who proved to be an imposter, spent sev- 
eral days in this village early in this year ; he pretended to be deaf 
and dumb ; intimated his desire to purchase real estate ; had negotia- 
tions with bank officers and others ; was evidently a "confidence oper- 
ator ;" his "box containing $40,000 in gold," did not reveal property 
of any value. The chief of police of the city of New York intimated 
that the fellow was not unknown to him by reputation. He was the 
sensation of the day, and evidently came here to victimize a bank. 
He gave the name of Wood, and claimed to have just arrived from 
England. 

The ravages of an unusually severe storm, which visited this county 
in June, did much damage, destroying bridges and other property, to 
the estimated amount of $200,000. The rain-fall in this village was 
2^ inches, and in and near Cooperstown considerable damage was 
sustained. 

Hotel Fenimore w^as opened for business as a summer hotel, in 
June, and did a good business through the season. It was continued 
as such for several summers, at the risk and expense of Mr. Edward 
Clark, who was represented by his agent, Mr. Bunyan. In the ag- 
gregate, Mr. Clark was a loser to the extent of several thousand 
dollars. He gave the property to his son, Ambrose J. Clark, on 
whose death it again came into the possession of his father. 

A fair in August, in aid of the "Orphan House of the Holy 
Saviour," resulted in placing $500 to the credit of that institution. 

The Albany Institute held its ITth field meeting in this village on 
the 3d of October. Hon. J. V. L. Pruyn presided and gave a brief 
account of the organization and purpose of the Society ; after which, 
papers were read and addresses were made by a number of gentlemen 
of the Institute and the village, and the society adjourned. 

The first issue of the Otsego Republican, under the proprietorship 
of Russell & Davidson, who had bought the establishment of J. I. 
Hendryx & Son, appeared on the first of November. 

Gen. Kilpatrick delivered his lecture on "Sherman's march to the 
sea" to a large audience, in December. Gen. K. was in command of 
Sherman's cavalry forces in that famous campaign, and his descrip- 
tion of it was very graphic. 

1875. — -The Freeman's Journal office changed quarters, from "com- 
mercial row" — where it had been* located for 60 years — to the "iron- 
clad" building, the first week in February. 

Hon. Edwin Countryman delivered a eulogy in Bowne Hall on 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 103 

the late Judge Nelson, in March. It was a very scholarly and able 
production. 

Extensive repairs were commenced on the Methodist church, and 
completed at an expense of about .^4,000. The reopening occurred in 
November, on which occasion Bishop Foster preached. 

In October, the directors of the Cooperstown Railroad effected a 
settlement with the heirs of the late contractor Keenholtz, whose 
judgment against the company had been confirmed by the Courts - 

The last week in December, an advertisement appeared in the Re- 
})ublican offering for sale — "by virtue of several executions issued out 
of the Supreme Court of this State," the real and personal property 
of this Railroad Co. This was an unexpected movement, which oc- 
casioned great surprise, in view of the fact that the general belief had 
been that the condition of the road was substantially sound, and that 
with prudent and careful management it could be extricated from its 
temporary embarrassment and be made a more valuable property. 
Time has justified that belief and proved that the course since 
adopted by the Directors was a wise and judicious one. and has re- 
sulted in verifying the more hopeful predictions then made as to the 
future of the road. In the following March, Mr. Andrew Shaw was 
elected president of the road, bonds to the amount of !8^40.0OO were 
issued to meet the floating debt and to settle the Keenholtz claim, 
and from that time to the present, with slight interruption, the road 
has been slowly emerging from its debt. 

187H. — The ''Centennial Year"' of the American Union was ushered 
in at Cooperstown by the firing of cannon, ringing of bells, bonfires, 
martial music, kc. A large crowd of people was on the streets until 
one or two o'clock a. m., waiting to hail the auspicious hour. The 
president of the village, and the supervisor of this town, was a native 
of .Middlefield, James A. Lynes, Esq. 

The work of demolishing the old jail building was accomplished in 
January. 

In February, Judge Sturges received from Governor Tilden the 
appointment of (,'anal Appraiser, a position held by him upwards of 
three years. 

The "Half Shire" bill was defeated in the Legislature, in April, and 
that ended a contest in which this village was deeply interested. 

The firm of Bundy l^ros. made their first business announcement in 
March. 

The Ballard House was opened to the public in May, being the 
J. H. Story dwelling and the George Story brick block, on Main 
street. 



104 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

The corner stone of the new building of H. M. Hooker & Co., Main 
and Pioneer streets, was laid with considerable ceremony, during the 
latter part of July. Remarks were made by citizens of the village, 
and the village band discoursed stirring music for the occasion. 

''Kingfisher Tower," standing a little out from the shore, in lake Ot- 
sego, two miles north of Cooperstown, naturally attracts the attention 
of all visitors to these waters. It was constructed during this year, 
and in September the wealthy gentleman who caused it to be built at 
an expense of several thousand dollars, complied with the request of 
the editor of this volume, by penning the following article for the 
Journal, in which paper it was published : 

"Point Judith," one of the most prominent, as it is one of the love- 
liest, of the many diminutive capes that jut out from the shores of our 
lake, presents to the discriminating lover of nature features of greater 
beauty and opportunities for embellishment scarcely afforded by any 
of the others. Appreciating this fact, Mr. Edward Clark, almost im- 
mediately after purchasing the property, caused to be erected the pic- 
turesque cottage in the manner of the Swiss chalels, (to be used as a 
rustic retreat, or more literally, a private picnicing house.) Nestling 
among the trees it gave a suggestion of retirement and quiet, adding 
to the peaceful character of the spot it ornamented, while its varied 
detail and bright, though not gay, coloring harmonized with the infi- 
nite forms and colors of Nature's work. The design, however, was 
not complete until the erection of the structure just finished, which is 
to be known as "Kingfisher Tower." This consists of a miniature 
castle, after the style of the eleventh and twelfth centuries, standing 
upon the extremity of the Point and rising out of the water to a height 
of nearly sixty feet. It forms an objective point in the scene present- 
ed by the lake and surrounding hills ; it adds solemnity to the land- 
scape, seeming to stand guard over the vicinity, while it gives a char- 
acter of antiquity to the lake, a charm by which we cannot help being 
impressed in such scenes. Some apprehension was felt lest a proper 
foundation could not be secured strong enough to resist the force of 
the ice in winter. This has been accomplished by driving a number 
of piles on which a grillage was formed of heavy timber, fjlled with 
concrete, and on this solid masonry was laid, several feet in height. 
The castle is about twenty feet square at the base, and at a height of 
five feet above the water is the main floor. 'I en feet above this is the 
first platform, provided with ramparts and machicolated parapets. 
Above this stage the tower alone rises, eight feet square, crowned with 
a pyramidal roof pierced with a window on each side, the walls bear- 
ing at one angle a bartizan with conical roof The walls of the struc- 
ture are most solidly built of stone from the shores of the lake, the 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 105 

roofs covered with earthen tiles, the bright red color of which con- 
trasts finely with the sober gray of the stone. 'Ilie main windows are 
brilliant with stained glass, and each bears in the center a heraldic 
shield. A drawbridge connects the castle with the causeway running 
to the main land, while a portcullis can be lowered to close the 
entrance. The drawbridge, portcullis and doors are all of solid oak. 
Stairs lead to the highest platform of the tower, and from the numer- 
ous openings and loopholes with which the walls are pierced, a fine 
panoramic view of the lake and country can be obtained. 'I'he effect 
of the structure is that of a picture from mediajval times, and its 
value to the lake is very great. Mr. Clark has been led to erect it 
simply by a desire to beautify the lake and add an attraction which 
must be seen by all who traverse the lake or drive along its shores. 
They whose minds can rise above simple notions of utility to an appre- 
ciation of art joined to nature, will thank him for it. The original 
design for " Kingfisher Tower" was selected from several drawn by 
Henry J. Hardenburgh, Esq., architect, and the entire work upon it 
has been executed under his supervision. 

The visits of tramps, during the entire winter, were disagreeably 
frequent throughout the county. A public tneeting was held here to 
take measures to abate the nuisance, and action was also taken by the 
Board of Supervisors. 

T\\Q first mile of steel rails on the Cooperstown railroad, was laid 
in December. They are now all steel. 

1877. — A famous game of old-fashioned base ball was played here, 
in August — Judge Sturges heading the "Reds" and Judge Edick the 
"Blues" — 16 on a side. The victory was with the "Blues." It called 
together a large concourse ot people. 

The first accident on the Cooperstown railroad, resulting in the loss 
of life, occurred October 3. A man named G. W. Hopkins, who had 
been an inmate of the bounty House, was seen walking on the track, 
and although the engineer immediately reversed the engine, the un- 
fortunate man was struck by the pilot and instantly killed. 

Cooperstown was visited by a grand excursion party from Oneonta, 
on the 1 7th October, in which more than 1,100 people participated. 
The Military Company, and the Fire Department of that village, 
were the more prominent features, and the day was pleasantly spent 
in target practice, a dress parade, Arc, and closed with the presentation 
by our citizens of a number of elegant prizes to the best marksmen. 

Cooperstown was slightly shaken by an earthquake, at two o'clock, 
A. M., November 4, lasting from six to eight seconds. It was rather 
the most notable event of this rather dull year. 



106 HISTORY OF G00PER8T0WN. 

1878. — The village was invaded by a small army of tramps, on the 
20th of January, as was often the case during this period, and twelve 
of these recreants, were lodged in jail before night. Later in the 
year, another public meeting, called for the purpose of abating this 
tramp nuisance, was successful in its efforts — the tramps not liking 
the idea of being set to work breaking stone for a living. 

On the night of February 1.5th, the sash and blind factory was des- 
troyed by fire, the loss being about .^18,000. About a month later, 
the Worthington Bank building and the stone store adjoining it were 
burned. The latter, it was generally believed, was of incendiary ori- 
gin. There was a heavy insurance on dry goods being sold by a firm 
from the city who had a short lease of the building. Samuel Harper 
occupied the stone building as a furniture factory and store, and his 
stock was almost wholly destroyed. 

Mr. Crittenden, the present proprietor of the Cooper House, took 
possession in May of this year, and made many striking improve- 
ments, preparatory to its opening to summer quests in June. He 
bought the building and furniture for about %1 i ,000. 

Myron A. Buel, the murderer of the young girl Catherine Mary 
Richards, at Plainfield (^enter, was brought to this village and lodged 
in jail, July 4. This young man, (not 21 years old at the time of the 
murder,) was tried and convicted the following winter, and executed 
in this village, November 14,1879. The prosecution was by District 
Attorney Benedict and L. Ij. Bundy ; the defense by James A. Lynes 
and S. S. Morgan. The execution was performed by the sheriff. Mr. 
James F. Clark. 

The surviving members of the 121st Regiment held a reunion in 
this village in November. It was largely attended, and the "Boys in 
Blue" were well entertained. 

The Court House building was condemned, by a committee ap- 
pointed for its inspection, in December. 

1879.- The lake was closed only 61 days this season, the shortest 
]3eriod in twenty years. 

On the site of the old sash and blind factory, Mr. ( -lark, at an ex- 
pense of about .^4.5,000, erected the new Pioneer Flouring Mills, and 
Planing Mills, the former of which were leased to E. Delavan Hills 
& Co. for a term of years, and the latter run by Mr. Clark's Agent. 
'I'hese mills are located near the railroad depot, and are connected 
with the railroad by a side track and turn-table ; are equipped with 
the best and most approved machinery manufactured. The power 
for propelling this machinery is furnished by two lai'ge boilers, a 150- 
horse-power Watts, ( Jampbell & Co. engine, located in a brick build- 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 107 

ing adjoining the mills. They were completed in March, and oper- 
ations began in the following month. 

The Fly Creek "Fantasticals" made a, sudden descent upon Coop- 
erstown on the 14th of August and caused much amusement by their 
ludicrous appearance and deportment while parading the streets. 

The Board of Supervisors met in extra session in June, to consider 
the matter of building a new Court House, and decided that a new 
building was a necessity and that immediate action must be taken to 
erect one. The committee on finance was authorized to issue county 
bonds in aid of that purpose. The old Court House liaving been de- 
clared unfit and unsafe for further use, the Sheriff w^as instructed to 
rent suitable quarters for the holding of Court, and accordingly 
secured Bowne Hall, a very commodious and comfortable room for 
such purpose. 

A public meeting was held at Bowne Hall in July, to discuss the 
new Court House matter, and a committee appointed to take such 
action as might be desirable and necessary in support of that project ; 
and during the regular session of the Board of Supervisors, held in 
November, final arrangements were made for the erection of this 
much-needed and handsome building. 

The town of Otsego was placed in a peculiarly embarrassing posi- 
tion by the requirement made by the Board of Supervisors, that it 
make a special contribution toward the grounds and building of i^lO,- 
000. How to raise so large an amount was a matter of much discus- 
sion. It was conceded that it could not be raised by voluntary sub- 
scription ; and finally — by a very broad and liberal construction of 
the statute quoted below — it was agreed to raise it by tax. The 
towai records, and newspapers of that date, record the following : 

"A special tow^i meeting was held, pursuant to call, at the Clinton 
House, December 2, 1871). Called to order by the Town (/lerk, and 
the following resolution was submitted by S. M. Shaw : 'Resolved, 
That the Supervisor of the town of Otsego, in behalf of said towni, be 
and he is hereby authorized to apply to the Board of Supervisors of 
Otsego Co. for power and authority to purchase a site for a Town 
Hall and to purchase or erect a building for such Hall, as provided 
by subdivision 20, of section 1, of chapter 482 of the law^s of 1875, 
and to borrow on the credit of said town the sum of $10,000.' Nine 
hundred and seventy- two votes were cast, of which 654 were in favor 
of the resolution, and 328 opposed to it."' 

A leading member of the Bar and an ex-County Judge remarked 
at the time : "This is about the broadest and most liberal construc- 
tion I have ever known given to a statute law — but it seems to be the 
only w^ay to raise the required amount, to dispose of a troublesome 



108 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

matter, and to settle once more the question of county town, and I 
think we shall have to acquiesce." The town of Oneonta was before 
the Board of Supervisors at the time with a proposition to put up 
the county buildings at its own expense. By a vote of two to one 
in numbers, representing not less than four-fifths the taxable property 
of the town, the tax-payers thereof had voted, and nearly all of them 
afterward cheerfully paid, this tax — which they all thought should 
not have been made necessary by the action of the Board of Super- 
visors. 

In November, the Cooperstown Aqueduct Association purchased 
the old Gregory Mill property, thus getting control of the "water 
power" for running their pumps, and decided to reconstruct the entire 
water works, by building— on the site of the old grist mill — a new 
brick pump house, and placing in it two very powerful pumps, capa- 
ble of supplying the village most abundantly with water. This plan 
was carried into effect. A large pipe was laid up into the lake, com- 
mencing at a point just south of the cemetery, and running thence to 
a well in the pump house ; engine-pumps of the most approved make 
were purchased, and new and larger pipes laid through the streets. 

1880. — The Journal's publication by S. M. Shaw & Co., was an- 
nounced on the first day of January, Edward S. Brockham, for many 
years connected with the office, having become one of the proprietors 
and publishers at that date. 

The contest between several eager candidates for the Postmaster- 
ship, was ended in January by the appointment of Mr. Harvey I. 
Russell to that office. 

The contract for building the Court House was let to S. R. Barnes 
and the McCabe Brothers for .1^24,995, in the latter part of January. 

Much alarm was manifested at the discovery on the morning of 
May 1st, that several points on "the Vision" were on fire, and a large 
number of men were employed till late at night in subduing the 
flames. The damage would have been serious, had there been any 
wind. The sight at one time was a grand and exciting one. 

The Round House of C. & S. Y. R. R. Company, in this village, 
was destroyed by fire on the 5th of June. Two engines belonging to 
the Company were badly damaged, and the baggage car burned. Loss 
estimated at fully .f COOO ; no insurance. 

A large number of families in this village and vicinity opened their 
houses, in July of this year, for the reception of the poor children 
of New York, sent into the country by the "Fresh air Fund," for a 
fortnight's stay in the country. About 13(5 of these little waifs were 
thus most kindly cared for, or boarded out by others, the large brick 



HISTORY OP COOPERSTOWN. 109 

house south of the village, owned by Hooker Ar Spafard, being tem- 
porarily fitted up and opened for that purpose. 

At an expense of about .f'2,000, Mrs. Jane R. Carter caused several 
noted improvements to be made on the property of ('hrist Church, 
in July. Mrs. Carter's liberality caused the erection of the beautiful 
cloister, connecting church and chapel, and the artistic interior 
arrangement of the chapel is also due her. About |1 ,000 v^^ere ex- 
pended on improvements of the church proper, by the parish. 

In October, occurred the annual reunion of the 121st and l.'52d 
regiments, N. Y. Volunteers, in this place. There was a large attend- 
ance, and interesting proceedings. ^ 

As an evidence of the esteem in which Prof. J . G. Wight was held 
by his pupils, a gold watch was presented their faithful instructor, 
by the school, at the close of the fall term. 

LAYING OF THR CORNER STONE OF THE COURT HOUSE. 

On the 1 .^th of June occurred the laying of the corner stone of the 
new Court House, with imposing ceremonies. Between eight and ten 
thousand people were in attendance. The Masonic Order was repre- 
sented by the Grand Master and other high dignitaries of the State 
Lodge, the Utica Comniandery, K. 'l\, fourteen different Masonic 
Lodges, and representatives from several other lodges ; the 1 Otli Regi- 
ment Band of Albany, the Utica City Band, and two other bands 
were in the procession, with the Board of Supervisors, Building Com- 
mittee. Village Trustees, and others. 'J'he sight was a very imposing 
one, as this procession filled the entire length of Main street. Vlajor 
Walter H. Bunn, D. G. M., was Marshal on the occasion. The large 
arch erected on the Court House grounds, through which the proces- 
sion passed, was beautifully covered with evergreens and flowers. In 
this work sever-al ladies kindly assisted. A hard shower seriously 
interfered with the ceremonies planned for the laying of the corner 
stone. An ode was sung by a choir of gentlemen and ladies, and then 
Principal Architect, Capt. H. G. Wood, addressed the Grand Master 
in the prescribed terms of the Order, closing with the request that he 
proceed to lay the corner stone. The corner stone was then put in its 
proper position by the McCabe Brothers, builders, and the (ilrand 
Master and his associate high officials stepped forward and conducted 
the ceremonies in the usual form. At the close of the proceedings of 
laying the stone, the Masons sang the Dedication Ode. The Grand 
.Master then briefly addressed the assembly present, and Rev. Dr. Lord 
pron:>unceci the benediction. 

The address prepared for this occasion by Hon. Hezekiah Sturges. 
was as follows : 



1 1 mSTOR Y OF CO OPERSTO WN. 

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow- Citizens : On the 16th of February, 
1791, the Legislature of the State of New York created out of the 
territory theretofore embraced in the county of Montgomery a politi- 
cal division of the State called the county of Otsego. There were 
then two townships in the county, one called the town of Otsego, 
organized in 1788, and Cherry Valley, organized in 1791. The town 
of Otsego was made the shire town. The village that bears the hon- 
ored name of its founder was selected as the site for its Temple of 
Justice, where for more than 89 years it has remained, and still does 
remain. 

Assembled on this spot, at this hour, to lay the foundation of a 
new Hall of Justice, thick thronging shadows come flitting over us, 
freighted with historical recollections, and with memories of men .who 
have left the impress of their minds and their characters on the his- 
tory of the country for more than three-fourths of a century. 

i'he first Court House for the county of Otsego was built in 1791, 
located on the southeast corner of what was then known as Second 
and We:t streets of this village, now familiarly known as the loca- 
tion of the Davis block. Its historian describes it as a structure 
30 feet square, two stories in height ; the first or lower story of 
squared logs containing four rooms, and used as the jail ; the second 
story frame work, and used as the court room. 'I'he entrance to the 
court room was on the north front, two flights of steps on the exterior 
of the building, meeting on a platform before a door that opened to 
the air. 

This was superseded by a brick structure erected in 1806-~T, on the 
site in the then extreme western limits of the village, 56 feet long 
and 50 feet wide. The jailer had rooms in the building, and the jail 
was in the lower story. That Court House was destroyed by fire on 
the evening of December 17th, 1840, and in 1841 another was erected 
on the same site. And now, after forty years, the dilapidating power 
of decay, and the instability of its ground rest, necessitate the con- 
struction of a new Temple. 

The first court of record, called the Cburt of Common Pleas, and 
the first criminal court of record, called the Court of Sessions, was 
held at the first-erected Court House, the 21st of June, 1791. The 
Hon. William Cooper was the first Judge of these Courts. He be- 
came a resident here in 1788, was the founder of the village, and efii- 
cient in procuring the legal organization ; was conspicuous in estab- 
lishing the judicial, literary, and religious institutions of this part of 
the county, and in promoting the comfort and welfare of the pioneers 
to this then nearly primeval forest. He presided over those Courts 
until October, 1800; and from the beginning he impressed upon the 



HISTORY OF COOPERsTOWN. HI 

(Wrt of Common Pleas of the county of Otsego a character for dig- 
nity, ability and impartiality vhich it retained and maintained till its 
last session, in June, 1847. 

Jedediah Peck was the Assistant Judge at the first term of the 
Court. He was a native of Connecticut, of but little legal learning, 
but remarkable for his sound judgment and quick perception. He 
was an itinerant surveyor in the county, then new and uncultivated. 
Judge Hanunond says, "he would survey your farm in the day time, 
preach a sermon in the school-house in the evening and on Sunday, 
and talk politics the rest of the time. If not the projector, he was 
the efficient and persevering advocate of the common school system, 
and through his exertions the foundation of the common school fund 
was laid."' These acts entitle him to, and will ever secure to him, the 
gratitude of the people of this county. 

Associate Justices of the Peace at that term of the court, were 
Ephraim Hudson, Joslma H. Britt, John Mathias Brown and Miller 
Johnston. The Court of Common Pleas was continued in this State 
from the Colonial period of our history, and from 1777, the number 
of Judges and Associate Justices of the Peace differed in the various 
counties of the State ; in some counties as many as twelve each, con- 
stituted that Court. But an act was passed in March, 1818, lin)iting 
the number of Judges to five, and abolishing the office of Assistant or 
Associate Justices The Court thus constituted was continued with- 
out material change till the adoption of the Constitution of 1846. 

It was the duty of the county ('lerk to act as the Clerk of the 
Court of Common Pleas. Gen. Jacob Morris was the Clerk of this 
Court in 1791 for this county. He had distinguished himself as aid 
of Gen. Lee in the Revolutionary war. He came to reside in this 
county in 1787, as the agent of the owners of Morris patent. He was 
distinguished for his high culture, sound judgment, courteous manners 
and manly bearing. He was prominent in all the early enterprises in 
founding the religious and literary institutions in the south part of 
the county. These with other eminent pioneers made this county, 
from its earliest organization, distinguished in the State as the houK' 
of industry, intelligence, intellectual refinement, and high moral 
character. Abram Ten Broeck, John I. Morgan. James Cochran, 
Christopher P. Yates, Amaziah Rust, Andrew Wemple, Anthony I. 
Merwin and Jacob J, I^^onda, were the members of the Bar for the 
Court of Common Pleas, in this county in the year I 791. 

The office of District Attorney was created by law, on the 4th day 
of April, 1801. Prior to that time, this officer was called the Assist- 
ant Attorney General. Under an act of 1 79G the State was divided 
into seven districts, and an Assistant .Attorney General was appointed 



112 msTOEV OF COOPERSTOWN. 

by the Governor and Council of Appointment, during their pleasure, 
in each of these districts. The seventh District was composed of the 
counties of Herkimer and Otsego, and Thomas R. Gold, who became 
a member of the Bar of the Gourt of Common Pleas of Otsego 
county in 1792, was appointed Assistant Attorney General in 1797. 
In 1801 the office of District Attorney being created, the State was 
divided into seven districts as before, and subsequently several new 
ones were created. That division placed Otsego in the sixth district, 
and Nathan Williams was made the District Attorney therefor in 
August, 1801. In 1818 each county was constituted a separate dis- 
trict, for the purposes of this office, and on the 1 1th of June of that 
year, Ambrose L. Jordan was appointed District Attorney for the 
county of Otsego. 

During the existence of the Court of Common Pleas, Wm. Cooper 
was First Judge fronj 1791 to 180i»; Joseph White from 1800 to 
1823; John C. Morris from 1823 to 1827; George Morell from 1827 
to 1832 ; James 0. Morse from 1832 to 1838; Jabez D. Hammond 
from 1838 to 1843 ; Charles C. Noble from 1843 to 1847. 

The records of the Court of Common Pleas and the Court of 
Sessions, held at the same terms, during the fifty-six years of its ex- 
istence, disclose that this Court performed a very large amount of 
judicial labor. That Court commanded the respect and confidence of 
suitors, of advocates, and of the people. It was abolished by the 
constitution of 1846, and what is denominated the County Court was 
established to take its place. And now, after the experience of thirty 
years, it may be seriously questioned whether the change has been 
any improvement of our local judiciary. 

The first Circuit Court and Oyer and Terminer, in this county, 
was held on the 7th of July, 1792. Hon. John Lansing, one of the 
Justices of the Supreme Court, presiding. This Court was held 
here but once a year, till the reorganization of the judiciary in 1821, 
and thereafter two terms of this Court were held here- — and in 
September 1823, Hon. Judge Nelson first presided in that Court in 
this county. 

The history of the Otsego Bar commences with the organization of 
the county, and nearly dates waththe period when the foundations of 
our State and National governments were laid. This is no time to 
individualize and eulogize. It is enough, on this occasion, to say 
that the members of the Bar of this county have maintained the high 
character of the profession for legal learning and forensic ability. It 
has at all times contributed to preserve civil and social order, public 
and private justice, to keep alive sentiments of obedience and rever- 
ence, and the supremacy of the calm, grand force of the law over fit- 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWJS/. 113 

fill passion and ungoverned license. It has been seen and felt in the 
establishment of the civil, political, literary and religious institutions 
of our country, the outgrowth of which has been the peace, good order 
and moderate prosperity that prevail in our borders, till here, within 
our county, we answer the inquiry of Sir William Jones : 

"What constitutes a State? 
Not high-raised battlement or labor'd mound, 

Thick wall, or moated gate; 
Not cities proud, with spires and turrets crown'd; 

Not bays and broad armed ports, 
Where, laughing at the storm, rich navies ride; 

Not starr'd and spangled courts, 
Where low-browed baseness wafts perfume to pride. 

No: Men, high-minded men, 
With powers afar above dull brutes endued, 

In forest brake or den, 
As beasts excel cold rocks and brambles rude: 

Men who their duties know, 
But know their rights, and knowing, dare maintain. 

******** 
These constitute a State. " 

Of such is the county of Otsego. 

But the interest attaching to the construction of a Court House, 
does not all lie in the reminiscences of the past. It has another, if 
not a higher and nobler significance, that is to be seen and felt, not 
only by the generation that now is within the geographical limits 
of our own county, but by all the generations yet to come. Such a 
structure is the physical personification, or rather the material sym- 
bol, of liberty protected by law. It is the forum where unlicensed 
liberty on the one hand is restrained, and where despotic power on 
the other is repressed. The history of the centuries gone is replete 
with the description of men, of factions, of parties, to maintain an 
undefined liberty or unrestrained license on the one side, and despotic 
power on the other. Indeed, during the entire political history of 
the world, whole nations, in every age and in every clime, have been 
tinged with the blood of their people in maintaining the one, and in 
overthrowing the other. 

During nearly the whole of the KJth century and part of the 17th, 
the people of France were engaged in contests for religious liberty, 
and its rulers were engaged in repressing it by the enforcement of 
edicts upon the lives and property of its citizens in such manner of 
cruelty and barbarity, that I fear its parallel cannot be found in the 
unwritten records of savage life. Yet in the 18th century the pend- 



114 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

ulum swung to the other extreme, till the events that followed hard 
on the death scene of Louis XVI. engulfed all liberty and all law, 
all social order, in one common ruin. 

Liberty is a theme that has called forth the loftiest strains of the 
poet, the sweetest songs of the lyre, and the most eloquent periods of 
the orator. The statesman uses it as the watch-cry from the walls 
of the political edifice against danger ; the demagogue, to awaken 
political jealousies, and finds it powerful to raise the demon discord ; 
and yet liberty, when unrestrained, rushes on to anarchy more de- 
structive to hiiman society than despotic power itself. Hence law is 
essential to liVrty, in that it defines and secures the right, and 
spreads its shietd over the weak as well as the strong ; for law is 
made for those who are not a law unto themselves ; for the lawless 
and disobedient. It, for the most part, is a body of rules and enact- 
ments, portions of which may be traced to inspired wisdom, others to 
Kome, the lawgiver of nations, others to the refining process of rea- 
son, perfected by the learning of more modern times. It so far 
restrains and circumscribes liberty, that "it defends the helplessness 
of infancy, it restrains the passions of youth, it protects the acquisi- 
tions of manhood, it shields the sanctity of the grave, and executes 
the will of the departed." 

Hence the only safety of the body politic lies in that condition of 
society in which liberty is restrained and protected by law. Yet 
without administration and enforcement of law, there would be in 
efi'ect no law. Therefore, the whole order of society rests on its sure 
administration. 

Here, therefore, in this rising Temple, may the law be always ad- 
ministered in the solidity of justice, and in the stability of fortitude, 
so long as the shadow of these walls shall follow the rising or setting 
sun. So long as that lake shall mirror on its piacid bosom yon clas- 
sic mountain, may liberty here be protected by law. Ei<to perpetua .'" 

The box for the reception of the articles was ma :le of copper, 20 
inches in length, 10 inches wide and 4 inches deep. To enumerate 
the records and articles placed in it, would occupy several pages of 
this book. The box was covered by a marble slab, fitted into the 
stone, I '2 by 22 inches in size, and bears the following inscription, 
artistically executed by Henrv J. Holhnan of this village, an employee 
of the McCabe Brothers : "June 15th, A. L. 5880, .VL W. Jesse B. 
Anthony, Grand Master of the State of New York." 

The building committee was : Luther I. Burditt of Otsego, Henry 
G. Wood of Oneonta, Lewis McCredy of Richfield. 

The Postofiice, which had been kept in the Phinney block for many 
years, was this year moved across the street to the Bundy block. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOW]\. 115 

During this year there was much active and practical Temperance 
work done in this village, in which many ladies were efficient laborers. 

A census of (Jooperstown, made this year, "shows the number of 
inhabitants to be 2,198, of whom 1,180 are females, and 1,018 males 
— majority of females 162, of whom many are widows. Also, that 
there are 72 persons on the corporation who are upwards of 70 years 
of age, three of whom are 90 or upwards. Number of dwelling 
houses 268, occupied by 466 families." 

Out of this population of 2,200 souls, there were only 21 deaths 
during the year, of whom six — rather above the yearly average — 
were children ; one of the deceased residents was 67, one 70, two 74, 
one 83, one 85, one 90. 



116 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 



CHAPTER XII. 

FROM 1881 TO 1886. 

During this half decade, which brings our record down to the pres- 
ent time, the village of Oooperstown saw little or no increase in its 
general business ; but there was a steady though slow growth in popu- 
lation, as evinced in the fact that each year witnessed the erection of 
a few additional dwelling houses, some of which are of the better 
class ; three new brick stores were built on Main street ; the brick 
Orphanage and "Templeton Lodge"' — a large summer boarding house — 
were erected ; a section of the proposed sewerage system constructed ; 
the Hotel Fenimore changed hands and was opened as a business 
hotel ; Dr. McKim of New York built a unique summer house on the 
corporation, and Dr. Fowler and Mr. Waller of that city built the 
handsome large cottages standing a little east of the village, in the 
edge of Middlefield ; Mr. Schuyler B. Steers purchased "the Lake- 
lands," and spent a large amount in building a handsome stone and 
wood cottage, in enlarging anrl improving the mansion, &c. ; Mr. E. 
F. Beadle of New York' laid out "Nelson Avenue," and he and Dr. 
0. F. Campbell made other improvements in that locality ; upper 
Main street has witnessed marked growth and improvement. 

1381. — During the last week in January, the County Musical Con- 
vention held a very successful session here, under the conductorship of 
H. R. Palmer. 

Otsego 4 per cent, town bonds were sold here in February, at a 
small premium. 

At the opening of the winter term, Union School had the largest 
number of pupils enrolled up to that time, 426, and another addition 
to the building became a necessity, as voted at a special meeting held 
in May. It cost about .f 4,000 

In March the sale of the Cooper House by the executors of the late 
H. F. Phinney, to Mr. S. E. Crittenden, was effected, for ^16,000, 
including furniture. 

Judae Bowen held the first session of court in the new Court House 
in March. In the erection of this building, it was shown that the 
contractors, who had done considerable work not specified in the con- 
tract, had received about i|5,000 less than they ex[)ended ; the Board 
of Supervisors, in consideration thereof, voted to pay them $4,955 — 
an act of equity and justice. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 117 

In the early part of this winter the '-Cooperstown Literary Society 
and Debating Club" was inaugurated, and held regular weekly meet- 
ings during the winter and spring, with Jas. A. Lynes as president 
It is still maintained. 

The question of a sewerage system for this village was much dis- 
cussed this spring. 

The Second National Bank of Cooperstown reduced its capital to 
$2(10,00;) in May, and the First National to $150,000 in September. 

S. M. Ballard, who had been for several years the proprietor of the 
hotel bearing his name, purchased from the Story estate the entire 
hotel property, in October. Soon after, John R. Millard became a 
partner in tlu business. 

Miss Cooper began this fall to solicit subscriptions for aid in raising- 
funds for the erection of a new Orphan House, the building occupied 
at that time being much too small. 

G. M Grant & Co., were established in their new building in time 
for the Floliday season. 

The Lakewood Cemetery Association purchased for $4,000 the 
thirty-acre lot adjoinmg their property on the north, during the spring. 

An exhibition of the fine cattle and horses kept on the two farms 
of Mr. Edward Clark occurred in August, and attracted a great deal 
of interest and attention. 

A public meeting of the citizens of this village was held September 
20, to take action with reference to expressing the sentiments of this 
community on the death of the President of the United States. The 
attendance was large ; the feeling one of evident deep sympathy. Mr. 
Edward Clark was made chairman of the meeting, and briefly express- 
ed his high appreciation of the character and abilities of the deceased 
President. Rev. Dr. Lord then offered prayer, and was followed by 
W. H. Bunn, who spoke with much feeling of the nation's great be- 
reavement in the death of President Garfield, and after stating the 
object of the meeting to be the making of preliminary arrangements 
for public ceremonies to be observed by this community, in view of 
the President's death, moved that a committee of fifteen be appointed 
by the < hair to attend to the carrying out in detail of such services. 
The motion was adopted and the committee selected by the chairman. 
On the morning of the same day the church bells of this village were 
tolled, flags were raised at half mast, and the public buildings, stores, 
and most of the private dwellings, were draped in mourning. 

Generous aid was sent to the sufferers from the Michigan fires, in 
September, by our citizens. 

1882. — A bill passed the Assembly, in February, amending the 



118 HISTORY OF COOPERS TOWN. 

charter of the village of Cooperstown ; its chief provision being the 
giving to the Trustees power to raise by taxation $2,000 instead of 
$1,000, as heretofore. 

Mr. E. F. Beadle and Dr. C. F. Campbell effected several noticeable 
improvements on their property in the western part of the village 
during this season, and these led to other improvements in the years 
following. 

The Trustees of the village voted an appropriation to cover the ex- 
pense of ascertaining the probable cost of constructing a system of 
sewerage, and placed the matter in the hands of Messrs. McElroy & 
Son, Civil Engineers of Brooklyn, who made a survey, map and speci- 
fications. 

The first stereotyping was done in Cooperstown in 1 830, by H. & E. 
Phinney,and the last by them in 1849. The first done since then was 
by Mr. E. S. Brockham,in the latter part of June, 3.3 years afterward. 

The State Inter- Academic Union held its seventh annual meeting" in 
this village in July, with a very large attendance at its most interesting 
sessions. A trip around the lake, in the "Natty Bumppo," was made 
during the time by most of those present. 

Hon. Isaac N. Arnold of Chicago delivered a most interesting lec- 
ture in Bowne Hall, in July, for a local object, on "Lincoln and Con- 
gress during the Rebellion." 

The Trustees of the Orphanage decided in August to erect a sub- 
stantial brick and stone building, to accommodate about eighty chil- 
dren, about two-thirds of the amount necessary for the completion of 
the entire work being already subscribed at that date. In October, 
the corner stone was laid, Bishop Doane delivering the address. 

Mr. John Worthington of this village, recently appointed U. S. 
Consul at Malta, sailed from New York for that island, in September. 

During the month of August, a gang of burglars visited many of 
the towns in this county, including this village, where after an unsuc- 
cessful attempt to enter the house of Dr. Lathrop, they, the same 
night, effected an entrance into Mrs. Carter's residence, and although 
frightened off by the movements of some person in the house, managed 
to get away with a quantity of silver- ware, a part of which was recov- 
ered, some days later, at Richfield Springs. 

A meeting of the citizens of Cooperstown was held at the Court 
House, October 16th. to take some appropriate action with reference 
to the death of Mr. Edward Clark. Judge Bo wen presided, and a 
committee consisting of Messrs. S. M. Shaw, Andrew Davidson and 
Prof J. (t. Wight presented a series of fitting resolutions, which were 
adopted, expressive of the loss sustained by the community in Mr. 
Clark's decease, and tendering sympathy to his family. 



HISTORV OF COOPERSTOWN. 119 

In October, Mr. E. F. Beadle opened a new street, named "Nelson 
Avenue" in honor of the late Judge Samuel Nelson, and extending 
from Main to Lake street. 

1883. — On the first day of the new year, J. Warren Lamb & Co., 
moved into their new quarters, in the fine building erected by them on 
Main street. 

There was, during the winter, some discussion of a new railroad 
project, looking to the connection of Cooperstown with the New York 
Central at Fort Plain, and several public meetings for the consideration 
of this matter were held in that village ; but no action was taken in 
the matter. 

The completion of the Westlake block, one of the finest improve- 
ments made on Main street for many years, was effected in February. 
It is now owned by L. I. Burditt, Esq. 

Cooperstown was connected by telephone with several near and re- 
mote villages during this winter, and the systeui has been largely 
extended since that time by the active manager, Mr. Paul T. Brady. 

The death of Mr. James I. Hendryx, late editor of the Republican, 
and since a resident of Minnesota was announced in February He 
was a man of good natural abilities, and at one time held the office of 
County Treasurer. 

In response to communic^tions from the Cooperstown Board of 
Health to the State Board, Dr. Elisha Harris, secretary, and Mr. Eniil 
Kuichling, C. E., visited this village, June 15th, and were shown 
about by the local authorities. In the evening, a meeting was held, 
and Doct. Harris, on invitation, gave his views upon the sewerage 
question and other matters of like interest to Cooperstown. 

There was an elaborate celebration of the Fourth of July in Coop- 
erstown, in which the Third Separate Company of Oneonta. com- 
manded by Capt. AVood, participated. In the afternoon a series of 
games (in which prizes were contended for) were played, and a fine dis- 
play of fireworks was given in the evening. Rev. C. K. McHarg 
delivered the oration of the day, and gave an unusually interesting 
and able address. 

Beautiful ''[.^akelands,'' just across the river from Cooperstown, was 
sold in August by H. J. Bowers, as agent for the estate of the late 
John M. Bowers, to Schuyler B. Steers, who was then the occupant of 
the premises, for .^3.5, 000. The purchase includes the homestead lot, 
and land near, amounting in all to !22 acres. 

The Orphanage received a substantial benefit of about !$100 in 
August, as the result of an amateur dramatic entertainment, given 
by the guests of the Cooper House. 



120 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

A gala day for Cooperstown occurred in the latter part of August, 
on the occasion of a visit to the Cooperstown Fire Department, from 
the Military Company and Fire Department of Oneonta. The Mili- 
tary Company entered camp on the Lake immediately, and during 
the day there occurred the handsomest parade witnessed here for 
many years, two of the finest bands in the State furnishing most 
excellent music. The reception and escort were by the Cooperstown 
Fire Department. 

Early in September, Doct. E. P. Fowler of New York, then spend- 
ing his third summer in Cooperstown. purchased of Mr. H. K. Jarvis 
forty acres of land, lying east and a little south of this village, in 
Middlefield, on which he has since erected a most beautiful summer 
residence, commanding, from its sightly location, an extensive view of 
the Lake and upper Susquehanna valley. He sold a few acres of this 
land to his friend, Mr. Frank Waller, a landscape painter of New 
York, who has erected a fine lodge on it. 

The nuirder trial of Mrs. Sergeant, accused of poisoning her child, 
was in process before Judge Follet in the latter part of September. 
The prisoner was acquitted on the ground of insanity at the time of 
the act. Mrs. Sergeant was committed to the Utica Insane Asylum, 
where a thorough examination by the physicians of the institution 
proved her mental condition was such as to justify the verdict of the 
jury. She remained in that institution about one year, when she 
returned to her friends, cured of her malady 

The County Bible Society held its annual meeting in the Methodist 
church in October. Rev. Dr. Swinnerton of Cherry Valley and Rev. 
Mr. Babcock of Richfield Springs, delivering able and interesting 
addresses. 

People in Cooperstown at all versed in astronomy, were inter- 
ested in the reappearance of an old friend, the comet of 1812, in 
December of this year. 

A public meeting was called by the village Trustees, in the latter 
part of December, to consider the sewerage question. 'I'he prevalent 
feeling was in favor of the system, and its early adoption if a satis- 
factory plan could be agreed upon, was decided. Subsequently, 
under the bill passed by the legislature, a section of the system was 
built, at a cost of about .|^5,00(K 

In December, the Presbyterian church narrowly escaped destruc- 
tion by fire, caught near the furnace, and. fortunately discovered be- 
fore it had made progress. 

1 884. — The Semi-Centennial Celebration of the Baptist church of 
this village occurred in January, at the morning and evening services 



HISTORV OF COOPERSTOWN. 121 

on which occasion the audience room was crowded to its utmost 
capacity by those interested in the exercises attending the close of 
this half century of the existence of this ecclesiastical body. Rev. 
Mr. Sawyer, a former pastor, preached in the morning. 

The sale of the Central Hotel to ^^^ N. Potter of Oneonta, was 
effected in February, $24,500, being the amount paid for house, fur- 
niture, stores, omnibus, team, &c. 

A fitting tribute to the late Judge Samuel A. Bowen was paid by 
James A. Lynes, in the County Court, during the latter part of Feb- 
ruary, and on behalf of the committee previously appointed, this 
gentleman submitted to the court a copy of most feeling resolutions, 
after which brief and touching remarks were made by different mem- 
bers of the Bar. 

The pupils of Union School, in March, placed on its walls an ex- 
cellent portrait of the late Judge Bowen, for many years chairman of 
the Board of Education. 

The Hotel Fenimore was reopened under the management of Jesse 
B. Brown in April, and immediately took rank as a first class hotel. 
Mr. Edwin M. Harris was the purchaser of the property, as the finan- 
cial backer of Mr. Brown. 

In April of this year, the following party of fourteen residents of 
Cooperstown sat down to tea together, on the 68th anniversary of the 
birthday of Mrs. Peter S. Sayles. We also give their respective ages 
at this date, February, 1886, as all are still living : Peter Becker, 80 ; 
Mrs. Becker, 72 ; William Brooks, 72 ; Mrs. Brooks, 70 ; S. W, 
Bingham, 79 ; Mrs. Bingham, 79 ; Peter P. Cooper, 70; Mrs. Coop- 
er, 66 ; Lorenzo White, 68 ; Mrs. White, 67 ; Peter S. Sayles, 75 ; 
Mrs. Sayles, 70 ; Isaac K. Williams, 74 ; Mrs. Williams, 71. Total 
years 1013 — being an average of about 72j years. Of this party, 
none are regarded as in feeble health ; indeed, with one or two excep- 
tions, all are now enjoying excellent health. 

Building operations were unusually active this season, especially in 
the north and south portions of the village. Delaware street was 
rapidly built up with small and neat cottages, and Mr. L. I. Burditt 
added to his cottages on Beaver street. Dr. Robert McKim of New 
York commenced the erection of his large summer cottage on Lake 
street. J*lans for Mr. Constable s fine mansion on the Lake, about a 
mile north of this village, promised the erection of such a notable 
building as this beautiful residence ])roves to be. 

1'he sad announcement of the sudden death of Mr. Frederick A. Lee, 
startled the town on the 29th of May. Only three hours before, he 
had left the Journal office, having made a pleasant call on his friend, 
the editor of this book. 



122 HISTORY OP COOPERSTOWN. 

The death of Mrs. Philena Butts, the oldest resident of the village 
— having completed her 98th year — occurred in June. Mrs. Butts 
had been for 6.5 years a resident of this village. 

A Teachers' Institute for the county of Otsego was held here in 
August, the State Instructors being Dr. John H. French and Prof. 
Chas. T Pooler. There was a large attendance of teachers. 

A. H. (jazley drove a well in his yard, at the foot of Bay street, in 
August, in which, after attaining a depth of .53 feet, the well flowed 
freely 20 inches above the surface of the ground. 

In July, Mr. Davidson purchased the interest of his partner, H. I. 
Russell, in the Republican, and has since carried on the business alone. 
His son is an assistant in the office. 

In July and August the summer visitors here- were more numerous 
than for the past two or three years. 

The Hop Growers' Association of Otsego county held its annual 
convention in the Court House during the month of Augu&t on which 
occasion the questions of picking hops and prices for the same were dis- 
cussed by different members of the association. No practical good of 
any moment resulted from the efforts of this organization, and but 
few meetings were held. 

The family at the Orphanage sustained a severe loss in the death of 
the beloved matron, Mrs. Eliza M. Stanton, in August. During the 
twelve years of her service in this orphan household, this lady had 
endeared herself not only to the children in her charge, but to many 
sincere friends, who admired her intelligence, faithfulness, and her 
beautiful and symmetrical character. 

An entertamment and fair, given by the guests of the Cooper 
House for the benefit of the Orphanage, in August, netted about i^413. 
An entertainment given by Madam Pupin. the previous week, netted 
^112. 

Edgewater was the principal point of social attraction for two even- 
ings during the latter part of August, when Mr. Keese, his daughters 
and a few friends united in giving a very pleasing amateur dramatic 
and musical entertainment in aid of the Orphanage, which netted 
about $100 for the worthy object in view. 

The Skating Rink of this village was formally opened early in Sep- 
tember, under the auspices of the Fire Department, about 700 people 
being present, and the entertainment netting the Department about 
$100. For a few weeks this attraction remained in favor, and drew to 
it large numbers of the young people who take pleasure in skating. 
Of late, it has been a very convenient place for the holding of enter- 
tainments of different kinds where ample room is required. 

In laying the corner stone of his residence, in September, Doct. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 123 

Fowler placed therein, copies of the village papers, together with 
copies of the Xew York daily papers, of that date, and other inter- 
esting matter. 

The Orphanage narrowly escaped destruction by fire the second 
Sunday in September, but the flames were arrested without heavy 
damage to the building, by the prompt and efficient Fire Department, 
and a good supply of water from the hydrant near the building. The 
loss on building, about $700, was fully covered by insurance. The 
furniture was damaged to the extent of about $200. 

A benefit at the Rink for the Orphanage, under the kindly auspices 
of the Fire Department, netting $1 1 7.53, was of great service to that 
institution in assisting to repair the damage of the fire, and several of 
the churches of the village generously donated their Sunday morning 
collections, amounting to about $90. to this worthy object, with which 
aid the furniture destroyed by the fire was replaced 

At a meeting of the directors of the ( 'ooperstown Railroad, held 
in the latter part of September, the telephone was reported completed, 
and to be answering a very good purpose, telegraph operators being no 
longer required. 

October 4th, a special election occurred, for the determination by 
the taxpayers in regard to the issue of bonds for the construction of 
sewerage in Cooperstown. Less interest was excited than was ex- 
pected, only 124 votes being ca t, 74 for and 50 against the system. 

A handsome tribute to a faithful and devoted teacher, in the shape 
of a substantial gift of $50, was presented Miss Ball an instructor in 
the Union School since its opening, by her appreciative pupils, in 
October. 

The sad though not unexpected death of the Hon. Hezekiah Sturges 
occurred December 4th, after an illness of about forty days. At a 
session of the County ('ourt held in the Court House, Dec. 15, reso- 
ptions were submitted to the ( burt, and eulogistic remarks on the 
deceased Judge were made by different members of the Bar, in which 
the grandeur of his Christian character, his high standing in his pro- 
fession, his genial and kindly disposition and true and noble manhood, 
were eloquently referred to. 

Christ Church was the recipient of a valuable and gracious gift, on 
Christnjas day ; a new altar of polished oak, a brass cross, beautifully 
carved with the passion flower, and white hanging, heavily embroidered 
in gold, surrounded by rich silk bullion fringe, were seen and in use 
for the first time that day. While no publicly announced name ac- 
companied these costly gifts, it was well known that they were con- 
tributed by the same generous hand that made complete the beautiful 
memorial chapel. 



124 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

1885. — The trial and conviction of Jas. F. Clayton, of Middlefield, 
for the murder of his little child, in August last, occurred in January 
of this year, before Judge Murray, and very naturally excited a great 
deal of interest. This crime was a most unnatural one, and was com- 
n)itted while the defendant was under the influence of liquor ; he had 
no motive for killing the child, had never shown any aversion to it ; 
on the contrary, in his sober hours, and generally, he evinced his 
attachment for it. He was for the moment a partially insane man, 
but not wholly irresponsible for his acts. His own bad habits had 
brought him into that condition. Rum had been his ruin, and he suf- 
fered the just penalty of his crime. He was sentenced to State prison 
f(jr life. He was very ably defended by Mr. James A. Lynes, and the 
prosecution by District Attorney Barber and Mr. Edick was also 
strong. 

A highly successful Musical Convention assembled here during the 
last week in January. The attendance was large, Prof. Case, the con- 
ductor, gave evidence of his experience and high qualifications in his 
able instructions to the large class, and the presence of Mrs. Helen E. 
H. Carter of Boston and several other soloists of a high order, at the 
concerts, gave assurance of most excellent entertainments at the close 
of the session. 

A most admirably managed and largely attended Ball was given by 
the Fire Department, the first week in February. The nmsic by the 
Tenth Regiment Band of Albany, was the best ever furnished on a 
similar occasion ; about 500 persons were in attendance. 

The report of the State Board of Health showed the death rate in 
Cooperstown in December to be considerably less than that of fourteen 
other places ei'ume^^ated, only one place named making a better show- 
ing than Ccjperstowa. 

The snows during the month of February were unusually heavy, 
the railroad being snow-bound for the first time in several years. 

One of the village papers made the following statement this winter : 
Strangers who visit Cooperstown often speak of it as ''a place con- 
taining a great many very wealthy people." That is a mistake. There 
are say 16 to 18 persons on this corporation who are worth from S4(l,- 
to about $60,000, several of whom are ladies, and none oi whom 
would be called very wealthy ; few. are adding to their capital. One 
gentleman who resides here a few months in the year, ranks among 
the wealthiest men in the country, being worth many millions of 
dollars ; a lady is at the head of an estate, partly unproductive, 
worth say $2,500,000, and there are six gentlemen whose wealth is 
estimated about as follows : $450,000, $250,000, $200,0 0, $120,000, 
$100,' 00, $85,000. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWK 125 

A slight shock of earthquake was felt in this place and some of the 
surrounding towns, on the last day of February, buildings being shak- 
en, windows rattled and water disturbed. It however created no 
alarm. 

In March of this year Mr. J. Fred Reustle bought out his partner 
Clark, a non-resident, and commenced the merchantile business on his 
own account. The same year he built for himself a handsome dwell- 
ing house on the old ' bulls head' lot. 

The annual report of the Treasurer of the village in March, showed 
that the money raised for ordinary purpo.ses was iir2,924. 'I'he sum of 
$915 was well spent on the Fire Department ; law expenses took f 40 : 
street lights. ^520 ; police, ^108; board of health, |;9 7 ; these being 
the heaviest items. Nearly $3,600 was expended upon sidewalks and 
roads. The village had no debt except that incurred for sewerage — 
less than .§5.'()0. 

There was a demand, which could not be met, during the spring, for 
dweUing houses, which could be rented at f 1 00 to $225 a year. There 
were no unoccupied dwellings. 

The boarding house, "Templeton Lodge," was constructed by Dr. 
Campbell, this spring. Pleasantly located near the lake, furnished 
with a view to the convenience and comfort of a summer home to its 
guests, and with its genial and excellent hostess, Mrs. Goodwin, this 
house was opened the following June, and gave most excellent satisfac- 
tion to the guests that filled the house. 

March was the coldest first spring month experienced in 35 yeare. 

Mr. Delos L. Birge succeeded Mr. Russell as postmaster in this vil- 
lage, in April, on the resignation of the latter. He receives a salary 
of $1,700, and $40it for clerk hire. 

Mrs. Carter this spring fitted up the old family residence on Lake 
street, for her son-in-law, Rev. Philip A. H. Brown of New York. 

In May, Mr. Walter H. Bunn of this village was^ appointed to the 
important office of United States Marshal for the Northern District of 
New York. He has about 3o deputies, and holds his principal office 
in Cooperstown. 

Memorial Day was observed the last week in May, with appropriate 
ceremonies. It has been the custom to observe this day in Coopers- 
town, since its institution. 

The Nelson block, near the corner of Main and Pioneer streets, 
narrowly escaped conflagration on the 27th of May. The tire origi- 
nated in the 3d story of one of the buildings, which was damaged to 
the extent: of about $l,()i)0. The furniture" in the editorial rooms of 
the Republican office also suffered considerable damage. 

The Albany Academy (-adets. a fine body of young students, visited 



126 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

this village on the 5th of June, accompanied by the Tenth Regiment 
Band. They made a good appearance and a favorable impression. 

Mr. John L McNamee this siinnner sold to Mr. James Bunyan the 
fine, sightly building lot, corner of Main and Pine streets, on which 
Mr. Bunyan will erect a handsome dwelling. 

Bishop Doane, of this Episcopal Diocese, visited Christ Church, 
(Jooperstown, in June, and administered the rite of confirmation to a 
class of 36, most of whom were young people. Bishop McNierny. of 
this Catholic Diocese, visited St. Mary's church during the same month, 
and administered the rite of confirmation to a class of 18.5 children. 

A number of city people who came to Cooperstown this summer, 
came by the way of the Ulster and Delaware railroad to Stamford, 
thence by Tally-Ho coach to (Jooperstown Junction. 

The summer of 1885 was a favorable one to those whose business 
largely depends on the presence of city people. 

•In their 29th annual report, made in July, the Trustees of Lake- 
wood Cemetery say : "The present number of lot-owners is 475, and 
of lots sold 602. The total number of interments made since the 
opening of the Cemetery is 1478, of which 509 have been removals 
from other grounds. During the past year there have been 51 burials 
and 12 reinterments. The receipts of the past year were $2,531.67 
and the disbursements $2,426.60. The total receipts since the organ- 
ization have been $55,446.19, and the expenditures $55,370.29." 

One of the finest drives out of Cooperstown has been to "Rum 
Hill," about 6 miles north of Cooperstown. The name of this eleva- 
tion was this season changed to "Mount Otsego " on which the pro- 
prietor, Mr. Rufus Wikoff, has erected an observatory. It was visited 
by a large number of people during the summer. The view from this 
point is one of the most noted and beautiful in the State of New 
York. 

On the last Sunday morning in July the sermons by Rev. Mr. Den- 
niston in the Presbyterian church, and Rev. Mr. Partridge in the 
Baptist church, were memorial discourses on General Grant. Rev. 
Father Hughes of St. Mary's and Rev Dr. Beach in Christ Church, 
referred in an appropriate and feeling manner to the General's death. 

On the 8th day of August memorial services were held in the Rink, 
to pay proper tribute to the memory of General Grant. The day was 
all that could be desired ; the weather most delightful for nud-sum- 
mer. The business places generally, and many private residences, were 
appropriately draped. There was quite a large attendance from this 
and neighboring towns. At 1 :30 p. m. the line was formed on Church 
street, in the following order : Marshal James F. Clark, drum corps, 
L. C. Turner Post, thirty members uniformed and carrying muskets, 



i 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 127 



tijembers of other Posts, G. A. R., and soldiers, forty in number, with 
muskets. President of the day, Orator and Clergy in carriages, followed 
by the committee of arrangements and citizens, led by Marshal l>uiin, 
the column marching to slow music. On approaching the rink, where 
the services were to be held, Commander Flanigan brought his com- 
mand to "reverse arms." At the rink the soldiers were brought to 
company front, and stacked arms before entering. The rink was filled, 
seating over a thousand people comfortably. Capt. Audrew Davidson, 
on taking the chair to preside, made a few appropriate and well-timed 
remarks The invocation was by Rev. Mr. Pitcher of Hartwick Semi- 
nary ; Rev. Mr Olmstead read a selection from the Scriptures ; singing 
by the choir ; prayer by Rev Mr. Denniston The address of Rev. Mr. 
McHarg occupied just an hour, and the speaker was, as usual, equal to 
the occasion. Every word was distinctly heard by the large audience, 
and from the opening to the close of the eulogy the -closest attention 
was paid the orator. The speaker devoted his time principally to a 
deeply interesting account of the public life of the deceased hero, 
showing perfect familiarity with his great military career, and also his 
position on important measures which came before Congress during his 
two presidential terms. He then spoke of his trip around the world, 
the great honors paid him by the most distinguished people everywhere, 
and finally of his sickness and death. The singing, which was under 
the direction of Mr. Wm. H. Russell, was excellent — the choir com- 
of about a score of gentlemen of this village. 

This season, as in several preceding summers, Cooperstown was 
visited by a number of large excursion parties, from Albany, Bing- 
hamton and other places. On the lake were a large number of camp- 
ing parties. 

The popular game of lawn tennis was more generally introduced 
and played in Cooperstown this summer. Several large parties en- 
gaged in this favorite out-door game, were assembled on the convenient 
grounds of Mrs. Carter and Mr. S. B Steers, on the lake 

Several hundred hop pickers were brought to Cooperstown by the 
railroad, from Albany and other cities, the closing week in August. 
This has been a custom during the last few years 

The house building mechanics of Cooperstown were kept well 
employed during the fall on the dwellings being erected by Messrs. J. 
F. Reustle, E. F. Beadle, J. A. M. Johnston, E. S. Bundy, L. I. Bur- 
ditt, W. P. K. Fuller and others. 

The Masonic Lodge Room of this village was extensively and 
elaborately repaired during the summer. New carpets, curtains and 
fixtures were added at a large expense, and the l^dge now has a 
handsome room. The expense of these improvements was between 



128 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

5$700 and i$800, and shared by Otsego Lodge. No. 138, and Otsego 
Chapter, No. 26. The former has a membership of 150 and the lat- 
ter about 80. 

The first week in October, on petition of the property owners of 
North Fair street, the Trustees of the village commenced laying 
sewer pipes from Main street to a junction with the main sewer. 

The American Hotel, on Pioneer street, was sold by D. M. Hunter 
to Albert Palmer, in November, and the latter took possession the 
same month. 

A meeting of the drafted men of Otsego county was held in this 
village on the 3d of December, the object being to obtain legislative 
enactment which will enable the towns to pay the expense to which 
these men were put during the late civil war. 

The village papers published in December contained this mention 
of the sale of a handsome and desirable piece of real estate on the 
lake, near Cooperstown : "The 'Leatherstocking Falls' property, com- 
prising 88 acres, which has been in the Johnson family nearly all 
of the time for 80 years, has been sold by Edward H. Johnson, the 
present occupant, to Walter Langdon of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, 
who designs it for his nephew, Woodbury Kane of New York ; con- 
sideration $10,000." 

Several Cooperstown people went to Florida, to spend the present 
winter. 

Said a village paper, at the close of this year : "Dwellings of the 
value of about .s4o,000 have been erected on this corporation during 
this year ; and a few just off of the corporation to the value of about 
.$22,000. Both exclusive of lots and out-buildings. We do not in- 
clude Mr. Constable's fine residence on the lake, completed this spring, 
and which alone cost about $20,000." 

The "Willow Brook" place, in the village, was sold by Mrs. F. A. 
Lee to her nephew, Mr. Henry C. Bowers of New York. 

Some of the predictions which Mr. Cooper made, in 1838, in the 
closing paragraphs of his "Chronicles," are now being realized. Ac- 
commodations have been provided, in hotels and boarding houses, for 
those who wish to spend the summer season here ; others, who desire 
a furnished private house, are readily accommodated, some of the most 
desirable dwellings in the village being placed at the service of city 
families, and generally at a fair rent. Although the shores of the lake 
are not yet "lined with country residences," these have commenced to 
make their appearance, several having been built within the last two 
years, two or three near the head of the lake. Others will follow ; 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWJ^. 129 

slowly, it may be, on account of the difficulty of obtaining desirable 
locations, of five to twenty-five acres or more of land, at what would 
be deemed a reasonable price. It is more than probable that within 
the present decade Cooperstown will have direct railroad communical 
tion with the Hudson river, and that will invite a far greater number 
of summer visitors to Otsego lake and its beautiful shores. It is not 
likely that Cooperstown will ever become a manufacturing place, for 
several evident reasons — a potent one being, its capitalists do not 
wish to see it such. But the village is likely in the future, as in the 
past, to witness a steady and solid growth. 

There is one improvement we should be glad to chronicle — one 
which we at least hope will be chronicled by the next editor of the 
History of Cooperstown— and that is, the erection in this village of 
note in the United States, and of all others in this country best and 
most widely known throughout Europe, by reputation, of a Library 
and Art Building worthy the name of the place. In time, and proba- 
bly at no very distant day, a Village Hall and Firemen's Building will 
doubtless be erected ; let it be a credit to Cooperstown. 



130 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWK 



THE GLIM MEE glass; 



Although the varied charms of the landscapes surrounding Coop^ 
erstown, attractive in themselves, and rendered still more fascinating: 
by the magic pen of Cooper, cannot fail to be sources of exquisite 
delight to all lovers of the beautiful in nature, it is the '"Glimmer- 
glass," haunted with the wraiths and slmdes of the creations of the 
great Novelist, lying as pure and fair as on creation's first day, 

"Among the pine-clad mou-ntains,- 

Foreyer smiling upward to the skies," 

that appeals most to the fancy and dwells longest in the mind. 

In the romance of the "Deerslayer,"^ the chief charm of association 
lies on the Lake and its shores ; its scenes being laid almost wholly 
on its waters or upon the land immediately surrounding them, and 
with such accuracy is every point, cove and shoal portrayed, and 
made the scene of some romantic incident or deed of daring, that it is- 
difficult to believe that the facts and characters were creations of 
fiction, so deftly and with such a semblance of reality ajre they por- 
trayed. 

Although the description of the Lake as seen by Deerslayer, iS' 
that of its appearance prior to the year 1760, it remains in all essen- 
tial particulars the same beautiful gem as when, undisturbed by the 
hand of man. the fringing forests were mirrored in its glassy surface ;. 
and the impression it prodttced on the mind of Deerslayer, a mind 
peculiarly sensitive aixl appreciative of the beauties of nature, may 
well bear repetition m these pages : 

An exclamation of sm-prise broke from the lips of Deerslayer, an 
exclamation that was low and guardedly made, however, for his 
habits were much more thoughtful and regulated tlmn those of the 
reckless Hurry, when, on reaching the margin of the lake, lie beheld 
the view that unex})ectedly met his gaze. It w-as, m trwih. sufficiently 
striking to merit a brief description. On a level with the point lay 
a broafl slueet of water, so placid and limpid, that it resembled a bed^. 
of the pure mountain atmosphere, compressed into a setting of hills- 
and woods. Its length was about three leagues, while its breadth 
was irregular, expanding to half a league, or even more, opposite to^ 



mSTORY OF C00PERST0}MS. 131 

tlie point, and contracting to less than half that distance, more to the 
southward. Of course, its margin was irregular, being indented by- 
bays, and broken by many projecting, low points. At its northern, 
or nearest end, it was bounded by an isolated mountain, lower land 
falling off east and west, gracefully relieving the sweep of the outline. 
Htill the character of the country was mountainous ; high hills, or 
low mountains, rising abruptly from the water, on quite nine tenths 
"of its circuit. T\\q exceptions, indeed, only served a little to vary 
the scene ; and even beyond the parts of the shore that were com- 
paratively lowi the back-ground was high, though more distant. 

But the most striking peculiarities of this scene were its solemn 
•solitude and sweet repose. On all sides, wherever the eye turned, 
nothing met it but the mirror-like surface of the lake, the placid view 
"of heaven, and the dense setting of woods. So rich and fleecy were 
the outlines of the forest, that scarce an opening could be seen, the 
whole visible earth, from the rounded mountain-top to the water's 
■edge, presenting one unvaried hue of unbroken verdure. As if vege- 
tation were not satisfied with a triumph so complete, the trees over- 
hung the lake itself, shooting out towards the light ; and there were 
miles along its eastern shore, where a boat might have pulled beneath 
the branches of jdark Rembrandt-looking hemlocks, "quivering- 
aspens," and melancholy pines. In a word, the hand of man had 
never yet defaced or deformed any part of tliis native scene, which 
lay bathed in the sunlight, a glorious picture of affluent forest-grand- 
eur, softened by the balminess of June, and relieved by the beautiful 
variety afforded by the presence of so broad an expanse of wat^r. 

"This is grand !-— 'tis solemn !— 'tis an edication of itself, to look 
•upon !" exclaimed Deerslayer, as he stood leaning on his rifle, and 
.gazing to the right and left, north and south, above and beneath, in 
whichever direction his eye could wander ; "not a tree disturbed even 
by red-skin hand, as I can discover, but everything left in the order- 
ing of the Lord, to live and die according to his own designs and 
laws ! 

"This U a sight to warm the heart !" exclaimed Deerslayer, when 
they had thus stopi>ed for the fourth or fifth time ; "the lake seems 
made to let us get an insight into the noble forests ; and land and 
water, alike, stand in the beauty of God's providence! Right glad 
am I that < 'hingachgook appointed our meeting on this lake, for, 
hitherto, eye of mine never looked on such a glorious spectacle." 

"Have the Governor's or the King's people given this lake a name ?" 
he suddenly asked, as if struck with a new idea. 

"They've not got to that, yet ; and the last time I went in with 
•>skins, one of the King's surveyors was questioning me consarning 



132 HISTORY OF COOPERS TO WIST. 

all the region hereabouts. He had heard that there was a lake in 
this quarter, and had got general notions about it, such as that there 
was water and hills ; but how much of either, he knowed no more 
than you know of the Mohawk tongue." 

''I'm glad it has no name," resumed Deerslayer, "or, at least, no 
pale-face name ; for their christenings always foretell waste and de- 
struction. No doubt, howsever, the red-skins have their modes of 
knowing it, and the hunters and trappers, too ; they are likely to call 
the place by something reasonable and resembling." 

"As for the tribes, each has its own tongue, and its own way of 
calling things ; and they treat this part of the world just as they 
treat all others. Among ourselves, we've got to calling the place the 
'Glimmerglass,' seeing that its whole basin is so often fringed with 
pines, cast upward from its face ; as if it would throw back the hills 
that hang over it." 

Deerslayer made no answer ; but he stood leaning on his rifle, 
gazing at the view which so much delighted him. The reader is not 
to suppose, however, that it was the picturesque alone which so 
strongly attracted his attention. The spot was very lovely, of a 
truth, and it was then seen in one of its most favorable moments, the 
surface of the lake being as smooth as glass and as limpid as pure air, 
throwing back the mountains, clothed in dark pines, along the whole 
of its eastern boundary, the points thrusting forward their trees even 
to nearly horizontal lines, while the bays were seen glittering through 
an occasional arch beneath, left by a vault fretted with branches and 
leaves. It was the air of deep repose — the solitudes, that spoke of 
scenes and forests untouched by the hands of man — the reign of 
nature, in a word, that gave so much pure delight to one of his habits 
and turn of mind. Still, he felt, though it was unconsciously, like a 
poet also. If he found a pleasure in studying this large, and, to him, 
unusual opening into the mysteries and forms of the woods, as one is 
gratified in getting broader views of any subject that has long occu- 
pied his thoughts, he was not insensible to the innate loveliness of 
such a landscape neither, but felt a portion of that soothing of the 
spirit which is a common attendant of a scene so thoroughly pervaded 
by the holy calm of nature. 

The deep forests that then covered the western shores have long 
since disappeared, and are replaced by the gently rising, green-clad 
slopes of fertile farms. But the eastern shores still retain their verdant 
covering, birches and maples crowding together near the water, and 
the dark, whispering pines and ''Rembrandt-looking hemlocks" rising to 
the very summit of the mountains, where in relief against the blue 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 133 

sky, these Titans of the forest seem to be st<andino- guard over the 
beautiful scene below. 

On no country have the charms of nature been more prodigally lav 
ished than on ours. Her mighty lakes, her mountains and valleys 
teeming with fertility, her thundering cataracts, her boundless plains, 
broad, deep rivers, her trackless forests, rich with all the magnificence 
of vegetation, her skies ••kindling with the magic of summer clouds 
and glorious sunshine," are in sublimity and beauty excelled by the 
natural scenery of no country. But the charms of storied and poeti- 
cal association are sadly wanting in America. AVe have few shrines in 
our youthful land, so identitied with romantic or historic incidents, as 
by their association with some achievement of renown to attract pil- 
grims thither ; and thus do we especially treasure a scene over which 
some master hand has thrown a halo of romance, such as is "The 
Glimmerglass," hallowed by the master mind of Cooper, and conse- 
crated to memories of the past, when, congenial to all the habits of 
the red man, it was a favorite meeting ground and frequent haunt of 
those tribes, whose representatives appear in the characters created by 
our great novelist in his faithful representations of life in the primi- 
tive days of our country. 

Although it is not accurately known who was the first white man 
to stand upon the shores of Lake Otsego, it may be conjectured that 
the first footsteps imprinted by a white man on the soil of Coopers- 
town, were those of some Dutch adventurer from Fort Orange, moved 
to penetrate into the territory of the friendly tribes of the Mohawk, 
in quest of furs, the fur trade being carried on extensively by the 
Hollanders. But although some Dutch tradesman may have looked 
on the beautiful basin, fished in its waters and hunted in the forests, 
and returned to the Fort with a report of the existence of such a 
sheet of water, the attention of the early colonists seems to have been 
turned in other directions, and for many years the little lake lay for- 
gotten in its seclusion ; and the first visit of the "pale face" to the 
shores of the Otsego, of which we have an authenticated record, was 
in 1737, as recorded on page vi. 

So this "Lake of the Hills" lay unseen, except by an occasional ex- 
plorer, and the red man of the forest, who, as he trod the mountains, 
"green-belt€d with eternal pines," that walled this "smile of dod" 



134 HISTORY OF COOFERSTOWN. 

around, looked down upon its cool, sweet waters, or in his birch canoe 
glided over its gentle waves, until about a century ago, when were 
laid the foundations of that flourishing settlement, which has since 
developed into the beautiful hamlet lying "at its southern extremity. 

From the village, nestling in the hills at its southern border, the 
"Glimmerglass" stretches northward for a distance of about nine miles. 
But the deeply indented shores produce a peculiar effect of distance, 
and it is difficult to believe that the densely wooded "Sleeping Lion," 
guarding the northern shore, that "isolated mountain" standing so 
boldly against the sky, which attracted Deerslayer's attention, lies only 
three leagues from "fair Mount Vision sleeping at its feet." At the 
foot of Mount Vision, the Susquehanna leaves the Lake in a little 
stream, stealing away under overshadowing trees, on its winding way 
toward the sea. Although not so densely fringed with foliage as in 
the days of Deerelayer, it is still sufficiently embowered as to give the 
stream in many places a most romantic look, and to make it a favor- 
ite retreat for rowing parties. 

The eastern shore of the lake, on account of its precipitous sides, 
was unfitted to be the scene of any of those dramas of Indian war- 
fare, in whose portrayal Cooper was so happy, and hence it figures very 
little in the pages of romance. Although these mountains, varying 
in height from four to six hundred feet, stand clothed in forest, in 
most places, from the shores to the crest, a pleasant farm occasionally 
nestles among the trees, relieving the steepness of their slopes. Here, 
about a mile from the village, and commanding one of the most ex- 
tensive views of ttie vicinity, is situated "the Chalet," Cooper's farm, 
where in daily communion with nature he obtained the relaxation 
so necessary to one of his great mental activity. The picturesque 
wildness of this eastern shore invests it with a peculiar charm, and 
it is dotted with attractive rustic lodges for camping parties, which 
during the entire summer are tenanted with merry companies, enjoy- 
ing in a free and easy fashion, boating, fishing, and the cool moun- 
tain air. 

"Kingfisher Tower," erected by Mr. Edward Clark in 1876, on 
Foiiit' Judith, about two miles up the Tjake, adds much to the pic- 
turesqueness of the Lake scenery, and with the tasteful Swiss chalet 
hidden among the dense foliage of the mass of verdure crowning the 



HISTOKV OF COOPERSTOWN. 135 

point, heightens the impression of its semblance, so often noted by- 
travelers, to the lake views of Scotland and Switzerland. The drive 
along this side of the Lake is singularly beautiful, offering charming 
vistas of the Lake, the fertile farms and graceful points of the west- 
ern shore through the openings in the trees, and with the overarching 
boughs of the open woods, lying in many places on both sides, afford- 
ing a charming sense of seclusion. 

'J'he range of mountains bounding the Lake on the east, ternd- 
iiates in a lofty rise directly opposite the village, called Mount Vis- 
ion, from the unrivaled view of the Lake, village, and valley of the 
Susquehanna. From its western slopes Judge Cooper received the 
first view of his domain and the "Glimmerglass," and a graphic des- 
cription of the scene as it then appeared is put in the mouth of 
Judge Temple in "The Pioneers." The "Vision" also was the scene 
of Leatherstocking's brave rescue of fair Elizabeth Temple from the 
panther's claws ; and just beyond the site of this scene, on the lower 
slope of the mountain, lies that beautiful "city of the dead," Lake- 
wood Cemetery, in the midst of which is the Cooper monument, gleam- 
ing out from the surrounding pines, surmounted by a figure of the 
iionest hearted Leatherstocking, loading his trusty rifle "Killdeer," 
his faithful hound crouching at the feet of his master, who gazes oft' 
over the "Climmergiass," the Lake he loved so well, spread out be- 
neath him. A brief history of the monument will be found in the 
closing chapter of this book. 

A climb up the precipitous mountain side beyond the ( 'emetery, is 
rewarded by a sight of "Leatherstocking's Cave," which aftbrded 
Elizabeth Temple a refuge from the forest fire, and which was the 
scene of Captain Hollister's gallant charge at the head of the "Tem- 
pleton Light Infantry." It hardly deserves so ambitious a name, 
being simply a small opening in the rocks, on which the thin covering 
of earth supports but a few craggy trees, or rather, bushes. Directly 
opj)osite this cavern, on the lake, a fine and distinct echo is obtained 
from this steep and rocky shore, calls being repeated up the moun- 
tain almost as distinctly as in the boats of the visiting party. 

liut it is on the western shore of the Lake that the interest chiefly 
centers, as on its wooded banks were enacted most of the thrilling 
incidents delineated in the i)ages of "Deerslayer," and its many points 



136 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

are all identified with some vivid description- of romantic or warlike 
incident. 

As we move northward we first encounter a long, low, curving 
point of land thrusting itself into the lake somewhat in the shape of 
a sickle, and enclosing a small but picturesque bay named the "Rats' 
Cove," from its being the favorite haunt of the muskrat, but which 
later has received the more euphonious title of "Blackbird Bay." 
Here, after scouring the entire western shore from the "Castle' 
southward to this point, in quest of its master, old Tom Hutter, and 
his family. Hurry Harry and Leatherstocking, hoped to find the ark 
lying. Just beyond this cove, Mr. Cooper in his early married life 
put up and nearly completed a stone mansion, near the present 
house, meantime supervising his extensive farm, reaching from the 
Lake shore some distance over the hills to the westward, and 
bearing the name "Fenimore," bestowed by its owner at that time — a 
name which it still retains. The stone house was burned before it 
was ready for occupancy, in 1823. For several years this property 
was owned by the late Judge Samuel Nelson, he having purchased it 
in 1829, and enlarged and improved the dwelling, for some time 
occupied by Mr. Cooper. 

Next in order to the northward is the shorter tongue of land, 
covered with a beautiful growth of verdure, bearing the name "Brook- 
wood Point," and the site of a fine summer residence. Further north 
ward a mile, lies the spot of all most frequented by pleasure seekers, 
and the scene of some of the most impressive events of the "Deer- 
slayer," formerly called "Wild Rose Point" but more recently, in ac- 
cordance with the strict spirit of enumeration, known by the prosaic 
name, Three Mile Point. This place was especially dear to Cooper, 
wlio took great delight in the gatherings held here, even from his 
early boyhood, Judge Cooper having set it apart as a picnic ground 
for parties of friends on the pleasant days of summer. At that 
time it was still in a wild condition, and is said in its absolute seclu- 
sion to have been even more beautiful than to-day. In the words of 
the novelist's daughter. Miss Susan Fenimore Cooper : 

"Jutting out into the limpid waters of the Lake, at the foot of a 
wooded height, lined with a clean pebbly beach, crowned with a noble 
growth of oak, elm, pine, and beech, their limbs garlanded with vines, 



HISTORY OF COOFERSTOWN. 137 

it would seem to have gathered within its narrow limits every wood- 
land charm. A limpid spring, remarkable for the coolness and sweet- 
ness of its water, rose from among the gravel of the beach, at the very- 
root of ancient trees ; a wild brawling brook coming down from the 
hills had torn for itself a rude channel, adding variety to the ground, 
and often blending the troubled murmur of its waters with the gen- 
tle play of the ripple on the beach. Azaleas and wild roses formed a 
luxuriant natural shrubbery, while the pitcher-plant, the moccasin 
flower, gentians, blue and white, with brilliant lobelias were also 
found here, blended with other native blossoms." 

The forests which then surrounded it on every side, have long 
since been cleared away, and where formerly the rich growth of the 
unbroken wood clothed the hill rising from the Point, a pleasant 
hostelry stands, noted for the dainty dinners it serves, at which the 
finny delicacies of the lake figure in all their glory. The wild roses 
which then clambered over the Point in such great profusion, giving 
the name to the Point, have long since disappeared, and the noble 
oaks owe their destruction to the fishermen's fires built at their roots. 
But the little brook stealing down from the hills, still ripples over 
the pebbles, and spanned by a rustic bridge adds much to the beauty 
of the scene. Enough of the trees remain to form a grove, aifording 
a most grateful shade, the little spring still supplies its cooling 
draughts, and the pebbly beach sparkles in the sunlight. Rustic 
seats are here and there visible under the trees, and behind the Point 
where the hill rises toward the right, a quaint little observatory, built 
in a rustic fashion between the trees, aftbrds a sightly lookout over 
the dancing waters and the village in the distance. Ample facilities 
are here provided for picnic parties, tables being conveniently ar- 
ranged under the trees and a small building for cooking, standing in 
a retired position, partially concealed from view. A rude but roomy 
building on the higher ground of the Point offers opportunities for 
the "light fantastic,'* and often in the pleasant summer evenings do 
these leafy arches ring with the "sounds of revelry" proceeding from 
this structure, tenanted for a few hours by some merry party from 
the village three miles distant, attracted thither by the anticipation 
of a sail on the moon-lit waters of the beautiful "(Jlimmerglass," as 
well as the pleasures of the dance in this quiet, sylvan retreat. 

Here it was that Deerslayer and his Indian companion, Cliingach- 



138 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 

gook, disembarked to effect the release of the latter's betrothed, Wah- 
ta-wah, and that Deerslayer sacrificed himself for his friend, in 
remaining liimself a prisoner, having accomplished the heroic rescue 
of Hist and her lover ; and here it is that Hetty Ian Is in her errand 
of mercy to lier father and Hurry Harry. 

As a matter of some interest pertaining to this Point, it may be 
stated that Judge Cooper in his will left that part of the property, 
comprising one acre, to the youngest child in descent bearing his 
name and living in the year 1850. The ownership under this devise 
now rests in William Cooper of Baltimore, the grand-son of the 
Judge. By him it was in 1871 leased for a term of 25 years to the 
"Village Improvement Society of Cooperstown," who now control it 
in the interest of the public. 

''Five Mile Point," is a favorite rendezvous for visitors, both on 
account of its natural beauty and the fish dinners served at the com- 
fortable "Five Mile Point House," of which it is the site. Back of 
the Point is a most picturesque rocky gorge, called "Mohegan Glen," 
through which runs a purling brook, and from the crevices of whose 
rocky sides peep out great clumps of fern and rose. A more re- 
freshing retreat than this shady little ravine on a sultry summer day, 
cannot be imagined. 

"Hutters Point," just above, is one of the few localities whose 
name recalls its traditions. From its gravelly shore Deerslayer first 
looked upon the "Glimmerglass," lying glorious in its green setting, 
a fair mirror of the woods and skies, beneath the warm June sun, 
and here we can imagine him leaning on his gun, looking out in won- 
dering admiration over the quiet waters and giving voice to the brief 
description : "This is grand ! — 'tis solemn ! — 'tis an edication of itself 
to look upon !" 

Looking to the eastward across the lake, a faint discoloration 
of the water is perceptible, this being the spot now known as the 
"sunken island," which was the site of the log cabin, "Muskrat 
Castle" of Hutter, and the grave of the mother of Judith and Hetty. 
The waters of the Lake, in most other places of great depth, here 
shoal to but a few feet, making it well adapted for such a structure, 
the ])osition of which would have been of great advantage to the 
early settler, although ('Ooper clearly asserts that Hutter 's "Castle" 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 139 

never existed. The Lake here attains its greatest width, stretching 
from Hutter's Point about two miles into (larke s Bay, overlooking 
which, on the slopes of Mount AVellington, the walls of the English 
manor house, "Hyde Hall," peer forth from among the darkling 
pines. 

Passing down the Lake from Hutter's Point, we would follow the 
coui-se taken by the canoe of Hurry Harry and Deerslayer, in their 
search for Hutter, and just at the entrance to the river we find the 
rounded, bee-hive shaped rock designated by Deerslayer as his point 
of meeting with Chingachgook, well known to all the Indians of 
that part of the country as a place of rendezvous. 

The facilities for navigation are manifold. Besides the trim little 
steamers "Natty Bumppo,'' and the "Pioneer," which ply regularly 
up and down the Lake, connecting at the northern end with a well- 
equipped line of stages and four-in-hands for Richfield Springs, there 
is the neat little steam launch the "Uem," always at the service of 
private parties, and fleets of row boats and sailing yaclits, daintily 
painted and well furnished, lying at the village docks, at the service 
of pleasure seekers. 

Cooper's prophecy, in 1838, that "half a century hence the shores 
of the Lake will be lined with country residences," seems on a fair 
way toward fulfillment, as several beautiful villas already adorn the 
southern and northern shores, and it is probable that the number 
will be largely increased in the coming years, as each year an increas- 
ing number of visitors are seeking a refuge from the heat and dis- 
comfort of the city, by the shores of the "Haunted Lake." 

Although there may be other Lakes as beautiful, with scenery as 
bright and diversified, it would be difficult to find another spot com- 
bining all the advantages of the "Glimmerglass." The graceful 
bays and wooded Points, with their "maple masses sle'epiiig where 
shore with water blends," the somber pine forests that crown its 
mountain tops, the silver streams that thread its lowlands, its wind- 
ing roads with their woodland borders, and the enchanting air of 
romance that ever haunts its shores and waters, with the fond skies 
leaning above it, warm with blessing, render Otsego peculiarly attract- 
ive to the lover of the beautiful. And as from thy wocf^led rim we 
gaze ofi^over thy quiet waters, mirroring the mountains wln"ch, u])lift- 



140 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

ing against the blue walls of the sky stretch away in wavy lines, we 
are assured that 

"O'er no sweeter Lake 

Shall morning break or noon-cloud sail ; 
No fairer face than thine shall take 
The sunset's golden veil." 
And may 

"Thy peace rebuke our feverish stir, 
Thy beauty our deforming strife ; 
Thy woods and waters minister 
The healing of their life." C. M. H. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 141 



THE VILLAGE INTEEESTS. 



THE CORPORATION OP COOPERSTOWN. 

The grounds at first laid out for the village of Cooperstown, in 1799, 
comprised only 112 acres. In 1806 the Otsego Herald began to "dis- 
cuss the project of obtaining an act of incorporation, '['his was done 
the following year, under the name of "The Village of Otsego," which 
was retained for five years, during which period there was considerable 
dissatisfaction on account of the change from the original name by 
which it had been designated by common consent. On the 12th of 
June, 1812, by an act of the Legislature, the former name of "Coop- 
erstown" was restored to the village. 

The charter was mainly written by Hon. John A. Dix, then a resi- 
dent of this village. Amendments were adopted at later periods. 

In 1829, and again at a more recent period, the bounds of the vil- 
lage were extended. The first charter election was held at the Court 
House, May, 1807. 

The population of the village is given at different periods as follows : 
In 1790, InO ; in 1810, 544, of whom 12 were slaves; in 1820, 783; 
in 1830, 1,300 ; in 185.5, when there was quite a number of Seminary 
students living here, 1,710 ; in 1860, 1,576 ; in 1865, 1,618 ; in 1880, 
2,198. The present population is about 2,600 — or say 3,0o0, includ- 
ing those living on the immediate borders of the village, and likely 
soon to be embraced within its corporate limits. 

The following gentlemen comprise the Board of Village Trustees, 
January 1, 1886 : I. E. Sylvester, Delos L. Birge, Lyman H. Hills, 
Harvey K. Murdock, Marcus Field, Norman L. Mason. Clerk and 
Treasurer, Wm. P. K. Fuller ; Constable and Collector, Joseph F. 
Mitchell. At the Charter election held in March, when the terms of 
two Trustees expired and there were also two vacancies to fill, the 
following officers were chosen : Trustees, for full term, John O. Fow- 
ler and (i. Fomeroy Keese, for two years, Albert Lane, for one year, 
James A. Lynes ; Clerk and Treasurer, Frank Mulkins ; Constable 
and Collector, Wm. J. Caldwell ; Assessors, John W. Smith, AVlieel- 
er Drake, Thomas Taylor. 

THE STREP]TS AND BUILDINGS. 

There are on the corporation of Cooperstown, the county buildings, 
six church edifices, seven hotels, a large summer boarding house, 416 



l42 HISTORY OF COOPJSHSTOWN. 

dwellings, 80 stores, engine house, orphanage, rink, shops, &c., located 
m follows : 

Main street-^Court House and Jail; 36 stores, over' 16 of which 
there are apartments occupied as residences ; 4 hotels, 35 dwellings, 
4 meat markets, I engine house, 2 barber shops, 2 saloons or restaur 
t'ants with residence above, I harness shop, 2 photographic rooms, ] 
marble shop, planing and flouring mills and office ; 2 banks, 2 black-- 
smith shops ; there are 2 printing offices, a cabinet shop, doctor's and 
dental and lawyers' offices, and several hop offices, in the second stories 
of the stores ; the public hall is in the "iron clad" building. 

Pioneer street^Two churches^ 1 chapel, 2 hotels^ 42 dwellings, i sa-^ 
loon with office over, 4 stores with offices or dwellings over, boat office 
and shop, engine house, wagon and blacksmith shop, meat market. 

Chestnut street — ^Hotel, rink, 2 stores, 52 dwellings, 2 shops ; also, 
four dwellings just beyond the railroad crossing, which will" soon be 
included in the corporation limits. 

Bay street— Nine dwellings, one shop for boat-building> 

Beaver street— Orphanage, fourteen dwellings. 

Church street — Ten dwellings 

Delaware street— -'IVenty-^two dwellings* Immediate vicinity, just 
off present corporation line, six dwellings. 

Eagle street— Twenty-three dv^ellings. 

Elk street — Five dwellings. 

Elm street — Three churches, thirty-four dwellings. 

Fair street— ^-Fifteen dwellings, one shop. 

Glen avenue — Six dwellingss 

Grove street— ^Ten dwellingSw 

Hill street — Five dwellings. 

Lake street— ^Thirty-seven dwellings, foUr shops. 

Leatherstocking street— ^Sixteen dwellings. 

Maple street— ^Six dwellings. 

Mill street— The brick pumping house of the Coopei'stown Aque- 
duct Association. 

Nelson avenue — One large summer boarding house, two dwellings. 

Pine street — Nine dwellings. 

Kailroad street — Depots three stores, two dwellings. 

River street — One church and chapel, seventeen dwellings, one beer 
bottling house. 

Rock street-^One dwellings 

Spring street — Four dwellings. 

Susquehanna aVenue — Union School house, twenty-eight dwellingsi 

Total, 51(» structures exclusive of barns, stables and carriage houses. 
tn 1838. Mr. Cooper reported the number then standing at 253 — one' 



msTORV OF COOPERSTOWN. 143 

half tiie present number. About three-fourths of this increase has 
occurred during the last 24 years. All of the business places, and 
every dwelling with a single exception— a new house which has since 
been sold— are now occupied. 

The praise which Mr. Cooper bestows upon the several fine dwell- 
ings and stores to be seen in Ooopersto\N^n in 1838, may justly be in- 
creased now, when viewing the new County buildings. Hotel Fenimore 
and other hotels on Main street, the Cooper House, the new Catholic 
church and parsonage, the several fine iron, brick and stone stores 
erected on and near the "burnt district" of 1862, the mansions of Mrs. 
Carter, Mr. A. Corning Clark, Dr. Robert V. McKim,th.e large number 
of fine residences which line Chestnut and some newer streets, in- 
cluding th jse just erected on upper Main street. All go to mark the 
great i'lnprovements made in the appearance of the village during the 
past quarter of a century. 

THE CHURCHES. 

The general condition of the several churches in Coopersfcown, is 
doubtless as prosperous now as at any former period within the past 
quarter of a century. Two or three of them have increased in mem- 
bership during that time, and all are at peace among themselves. 

Presbyterian.— The Presbyterian Church was organized in 1795 ; 
Hociety constituted June, 1800. House of worship dedicated August 
6, 1807. On three or four occasions it lias been partly rebuilt and 
greatly improved. Clergymen : 

1. Elisha Mosely, 1795 — ^^not settled as pastor. 

2. Isaac Lewis, from 1800 to 1805. 

8. William Neill, from 1806 to 1809. 

4. John Smith, from 1811 to 1834. 

5. Alfred E. Campbell, from 1834 to 1848. 

6. Charles Iv. McHarg, from 1848 to 1850, 

7. J. Adiiison Priest, from 1851 to 1855. 

8. Samuel W. Bush, from 1855 to 18G2. 

9. J. Addison Priest, from 1862 to 1864. 

10. William W. Newell, Jr., from 1864 to 1865. 
U. (Jharles iv. McHarg, from 1865 to 1870. 

12. George R. Alden, from 1870 to 1872. 

13. Frederick B. Savage, from 1873 to 1875, ^ 
\4. Newell Woolsey Wells, from 1875 to 1881. 
15. Eugene Peck, from 1881 to 1882. 

Kk Charles Hudson Smith, from 1883 to 1885. 
17. James 0. Denniston, from 1885 — present Pastor*. 
This s(X!iety owns a large and convenient chapel, that will comffoi'i- 



144 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWK 

ably seat 230 people. A new parsonage will probably be built during 
1 886, as a fund is being established for that purpose. 

Episcopalian. — -Christ Church, Cooperstown, was organized Janu- 
ary 1 , 1811. The church edifice was erected previously, and was dedi- 
cated by Bishop Moore on the 8th of July, 1810. A few years ago 
it was enlarged and rendered more beautiful, at a cost of about !$7,- 
00(». Its ctergy have been : 

1. Daniel Nash, from 1811 to 1828. 

2. Frederick T. Tiffanv, from 1828 to 1845. 
3 Alfred B. Beach, from 1845 to 1848. 

4. Stephen H. Battin, from 1848 to 1858. 

5. Stephen tf. Synnott, from 1858 to 1866. 

6. David H. Buel, from 1867 to 1872. 

7. Philip A. H. Brown, from 1872 to 1874. 
8 Brady E. Backus, from 1874 to 1876. 

9. Wm. W. Lord, from 1876 to 1882. 

10. Casper M. Wines, from 1883 to 1884. 

11. Charles S. Olmsted, from 1884— is the present Rector. 

This church owns a neat and convenient chapel, used for Sunday 
School and other purposes. Also, a parsonage, and a charity house, 
with four apartments, for small and needy families. A fund is being 
accumulated for the building of a new rectory. 

METHODiST.^This church was organized October 22, 1816. It has 
had two buildings previous to that now occupied on Elm street, 
which was improved a few years ago at a cost of about 1^3,000. Its 
Clergy have been : 

Rev. Messrs. Chase, Benjamin, Paddock, Roper, Shank, Ercanbrack, 
Bixby, Martin, Marvin, Grant, Bristol, Row, D. W. Bristol, E. 0. 
Andrews, Chas. Blakeslee, S. Comfort, M. L. Kern, John Crippen, J. 
L. Wells, G. W. Bridge, John Pilkinton, Isaac D. Peasley, Willis L. 
Thorp, Henry M. (Jridenv/ise, Wm. Wadsworth, Alancon S. Clark, 
Wm. M, Hiller, John C. Leacock, Ambrose J. Cook, Amasa F. Chaffee 
- — the present Pastor. We cannot give the length of time each of 
these gentlemen was here. 

This church owns a good parsonage. 

Univrrsalist.— -"Church of the Messiah "^This society was organ- 
ized April 26, 1831, and the house of worship erected the following 
year. Twice since then considerable money has been spent in remodel- 
ing the same. The church or ecclesiastical organization took place 
August 21, 1858. Its Clergy have been : 

1. Job Potter, from April, 1831, to April, 1836. 

2. O. Whiston, from April, 1836, to Dec, 1846. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWJS/. 145 

3. J. A. Bartlett, from April, 1847, to Nov., 1849. 

4. D. C. Tomlinson, from Nov., 1849, to June, 1850. 
6. T. J. Carney, from June, 1850, to April, 1851. 

6. J. A. Aspinwall, from April, 1851, to April, 1854. 

V. Charles W. Tomlinson, from August, 1854, to Dec, 1865. 

8. W. W. Clayton, from March, 1866, to March, 1868. 

9. Orrin Perkins, from March, 1868, to July, 1869. 

10. C. L Wait, from Nov., 1869, to Nov., 1875. 

11. Ellery E. Peck, from April, 1876, to 1881. 

12. Samuel G-. Davis, from 1881 to 1882. 

13. George W. Patten, from 1882 — is the present Pastor. 

Baptist.— This society was organized January 21, 1834. It at one 
time owned the land on which now stand the two dwellings east of 
the church. It held a centennial celebration in January, 1884 ; ser- 
mon by Rev. Everett R. Sawyer, a former pastor. Its clergy have 
been : 

1. Lewis Raymond, from 1834 to 1842^ 

2. Stephen Hutchins, from 1842 to 18 ", 

3. John A. Nash, 1843. 

4. Francis Prescott, from 1843 to 1847, 

5. R. G. Toles, from 1848 to 1849. 

6. G. W Gates, from 1849 to 1852. 

7. E. S. Davis, from 1852 to 1853. 

'S. M. C. Manning, from 18.54 to 1856. 
9. S. T. Livermore, from 1856 to 1862, 

10. E. R. Sawyer, irom 1862 to 1867. 

11. PI. D. Burdick, from 1868 to 1869, 

12. Charles C. Smith, from 1869 to 1874. 

13. George B. Vosburgh, from 1874 to 1876, 

14. Frank J. Parry, from 1877 to 1882. 

15. Warren G. Partridge, from 18812 — is the present Pastor. 
This society owns a small chapel and a parsonage. In 1870 its 

liouse of worship was enlarged and improved at a cost of about $4,000. 
The need of a larger house is now felt. Mr. Raymond, the first pas- 
tor, is still living. 

Catholic;. — St. Mary's Church was organized September, 1847, and 
the first small church edifice was built in 1851, at a cost of about 
^3(i0 ; would seat about IdO persons. It was located comer of Elm 
«,nd Susquehanna streets. Its present large brick edifice was erected 
in 1876-'77. It is abeady found to be too small for the congregation. 
The brick parsonage, a very fine residence, was l)iiilt in 1 884- '85. I'he 
whole property has cost about ^35,000. 

10 



146 HISTORY OF C00PER8T0WK 

Rev. Father Kilbride of Albany, was the first clergyman, who caififc? 
here in 1847, and said Mass in the house of James McNally, on Kim 
street to a congregation of 14 persons. 'I'he church now embraces a 
roembei-ship of about 1,000, including the children. Bucceeding' 
clergymen have been as follows : 

2. Rev. M. B, Constantine, came in 1849, and remained one year. 

3. Rev. M. C. Kenney, from 1850 to 1852. 

4. Rev, Jonathan Fnrlong, came here in 1852, and was the first 
resident pastor. In 1853 confirmation was given to about 25 persons, 
by Bishop McCloskey, then of Albany. During Father Furlong's- 
pastorate of three years, the church attained a membership of about 
100, and the present ground of St. Mary's church was bought ; after- 
wards lost by foreclosure of mortgage. He also officiated at stated 
periods, in seven or eight other villages, performing a,n extensive mis- 
sionary work. 

5. Rev. P. Fitzpatrick, Amsterdam, came to Cooperstown, as an 
out-mission, once in six weeks, from 1855 to 1860. 

6. Rev. William Carroll* ucceeded, in 1860, and was pastor for three- 
years. During that period, in 1862, the cemetery was purchased and 
consecrated. 

7. Rev. Father Clark became pastor in 1863, and a subscription was- 
started to regain lost property. First the lot on which now stands- 
the house of Mr. W. H. Bunn was purchased ; but it was deemed too- 
small for the purpose, and it v/as exchanged for the present location,- 
accomplished through the kind offices of Mr. Andrew Shav/. A fundi 
for the brick church was started. 

8. In 1865^ Rev. John Murphy and Re-^. Father MeCurry were the- 
pastors, and abovit $1,400 was accumulated toward the new church. 

9. Rev. John J, Brennan became the pastor in 1866, a.nd remained 
three years. The comer stone of the new church was laid June 29,. 
1867, by tlie Right Rev. John J. Conroy, with im^xxsing ceremonies, 
assisted by a number of Priests. Seating capacity 350 ; congregation' 
then about 250. Present seating capacity about 600, and inadequate 
to the wants of the congregation . 

10. Rev. M. C. Devitt succeeded to the pastorate in 1869, and re- 
mained nine years.. Doubtless his unceasing Imrd work led to his 
early death in 1878, at the age of 38 years. 

11. Rev. M J. Hughes, assigned to tl.is now^ large and important 
charge in 1878, remains the present pastor. 

We give the history of this church, now the largest m Coo^^ers- 
town, more fully, as it was not organized at the time Mr. Cooper wrote- 
his Chronicles and. briefly sketched the other churches of the village. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTO^JS. 147 

EDUCATIONAL MATTERS. 
UNION SCHOOL AND ACADEMY. 

*rhe Union School building was first occupied in the fall of 1869. 
The Trustees then in office were Dr. Horace Lathrop, William H. 
Buggies and Samuel W. Bingham ; Clerk, ElleryP. Cory ; Librarian, 
-lames I. Hendryx. Teachers, grammar department : H. G, Howe, 
Miss Martha A. Ball, Miss M. K. Gaylord ; intermediate department, 
Miss Sabine ; 2d do.. Miss Henrietta Reynolds ; 1st do., Mrs. Ellen F. 
Brower, 

Organized as a Union Free School, October, 1871. First Board of 
Education : Dr. H. Lathrop, Samuel A. Bowen, William H. Ruggles. 
Teachers : John C. Wight, principal, Martha A. Ball, Margaret K. 
Gaylord ; Charles P. Thompson, intermediate department ; Sarah W. 
Shipvvay and Julia Draper, 2d primary department ; Miss B. J. 
Reed, 1st primary department. Board of Education, January, 1886 : 
€harles T. Brewer, Dr. H. Lathrop, B. F. Murdock ; treasurer, H. L. 
Hinman. Teachers, in academic and grammar department : John G. 
Wight, Martha A, Bali, Mary E. Burgess, Jennie L. Comstock, Carrie 
M. [lills, (German;) intermediate department: Charles P. Thomp- 
son, Clara Matteson ; 2d primary department : Annie L. Crandall ; 
1st do.: Emeline E. Niles ; music: Mrs. B, F, Austin. Present 
number of scholars about 500. 

EARLY SCHOOL ENTERPRISES AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

Li 1791 Joshi>.a Dewey came here from Connecticut, and soon after 
opened the first school ever kept in Cooperstown. He was soon 
succeeded by Oliver Cory, who taught for several years. 

In 179.5 the sum of .fl,441 was subscribed toward the building of 
•an Academy in Cooperstown, of v/hich Judge Cooper gave one-half. 
The village then contained only about thirty -five families. The build- 
ing was raised in the fall, and was opened early in 1796. The classics 
were never taught in this school. 

In 1808 a select school was oi>eued by Mr. rand Mrs, Andrews, 

In 1819 Rev. Mr. Molther opened an academy and boarding school. 

In 1822 a female academy was started, but did not long survive. 

A high school, for girls, spoken of in flattering terms, whs kept here 
in 1828. by a .TVIiss Gilbert, in the house now known as Edgewater, the 
residence of Mr. G P. Keese. 

About 1 825, Luther C. Saxton built the Academy which till recent- 
ly stood on the lot now owned and occupied by St. Mary's Church, 
and is now a tenement house on Susquehanna street. In it he kept a 
•boy's school for several years, and taught the higher branches. He 
was succeeded by Rev. R.*Ne]son asteaeher, who Jiad been his a&sistant. 



148 HISTORY OF G00PER8T0WK 

Other teachers occupied the same building at different periods as a 
school, up to about 1 842. 

There has been handed us a "catalogue and circular of Otsego Acad- 
emy, 1840-'41," setting forth the advantages of that ii:istitution. The 
Trustees were C. Graves, H. Phinney, Wm. Clark, G. A. Stark- 
weather, S. Crippen and S. Doubleday ; Rev. Reuben Nelson, princi- 
pal, with four assistants, who taught higher English, French, and the 
ancient languages. Among the scholars still living we recognize the 
names of R. R. Nelson, John and C. A. Bowne, H. J. Bowers, W. A, 
Cook, Wm. A. Thayer, H. Lathrop,. Jr., G. D. Hinman, Albert TuthilU 
Wm. 0. Parsons, W. K. Warren, Dorr Russell, John C Graves, J. PL 
Prentiss, Jr,, Fenimore Lewis, A. Barnum, Thos. M. Cook. 

From about 1847 to 1850 Miss Huldah M. Palmer kept a young, 
ladies' boarding and day school in the "Otsego Mansion,'' the large 
brick building on Fair street. ik)w owned by Dr. Bassett. She em- 
ployed one or two assistant teachers. 

After the death of her husband in 1856^ Mrs. Lewis R. Palmer 
opened a school on Elm street for young girls, and a few boys who had 
sisters in attendance were also admitted. This school, kept in three 
different buildings during its continuance, was maintained- for about 
12 years. Mrs. Palmer was assisted by her da\ighteF Jeannie, and 
others. At a subsequent period Mrs. Palmer had charge of the inter- 
mediate department in the Seminary, under Dr. Kerr. 

Rev. Doct. Bellows, who afterwards became prominent as a noted 
minister in the Unitarian Church, taught a classical school for boys in 
this village, about 1832 to 1834. At one time he occupied a building 
on the east side of Fair street ; at another period, the second story of 
a store near Mr. Cory's, on Main street. 

In December, 1838, Mr. Wm. H. Duff, a graduate of Trinity Col- 
lege, Dublin, opened a classical and military academy for boys, in the 
building now standing on the southeast corner of Lake and C'hestnut 
streets. Mr. Duff came to the village endorsed by letters from (Ten. 
Dix, whose son, the present Rector of Trinity Church, New York city,, 
was a pupil of his in Albany. The school was removed the next sea- 
son to the building which stood on Apple Hill, where Fernleigh man- 
sion now stands. It was in successful operation for about three years, 
and the present Messrs. Phinney, Bowers, Cooper and Keese were 
among the "Duff boys" of that day. Clarence Seward was also a 
pupil for a year. Mr. Duff afterwards removed to Staten Island, and 
died of yellow fever as Captain of a company in the .Mexican war. 

For several years Miss M. A. Spafardkept a select school for young 
ladies, in the building now on the northwest corner of Main and 
Fair streets, which was highly regarded. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 14D 

3n 1852 E. L. Bangs taught a classical school. 

The Cooperstown Seminary was built in 1854, and opened with 
16 teachers and over 400 scholars. It ran a career of about 15 years 
and was then converted into a Summer Hotel. 
TEIE VILLAGE PRESS. 

The oldest newspaper now printed in Cooperstown is the Freeman's 
Journal, established in 1 808. Probably of no other paper ever pub- 
lished in this country can it be said that two persons have conducted 
it for a period of 75 years : Cob Prentiss was its editor for nearly 41 
years : he was succeeded by Daniel Shaw for something over two years ; 
and in August 1851 it was purchased and has since been conducted by 
its present editor, S. M. Shaw. And here it may be stated as a fact 
of general interest, that 32 years before the establishment of the Free- 
man's Journal, there were only 37 newspapers published in the United 
States. In the year 1808 the publication of not fa,r from 150 news- 
papers was commenced in this country — only four of which besides 
the Journal, are now published. When this paper was first issued, 
there were about 1,500 newspapers published in the United States, of 
which only 60 are now alive that are older than the Journal — and sev- 
eral of those have been maintained by the consolidation of two or 
more offices. There are now about 11,000 newspapers in the United 
States. 

The Otsego Republican was established in 1828, under the title of 
the Tocsin, which it retained for three years. Andrew M. Barber was 
twice its editor ; in all about sixteen years, closing at his death in 
1855. Isaac K. Williams & Co. conducted it for about two years, 
closing in 1842. It is now owned and edited by Mr. Andrew David- 
son, who was educated as a lawyer, served in the civil war, and has 
been connected with it as editor since 1874, and became sole proprie- 
tor in 1884, 

The Otsego F'armer was established bv Mr. Harvey L Russell, in 
1885. 

The Otsego Fierald or Western Advertiser was the first newspaper 
published in this county, having been issued April 3, 1795, by Elihu 
Phinney, who published it till his death in 1813, and his two sons con- 
tinue;! it till 182L 

The Watch Tower was established in Cherry Valley in 1813 ; was 
removed to Cooix^rstown in 1814 ; published by Israel W, Clark until 
May, 1817, when Edward B. Crandal became its proprietor, and con- 
tinued it until 1 831, when the material was sold and removed to Ad- 
rian, Michigan. 

Several other newspapers have Jiad an existence here since then, 



150 



HISTORY OF COOPERSrOWN. 



some of them a very brief one. The Otsego Democrat, established in 
1847, was coiiii^olidated with the Republican in 1855. 

In 1851 there were four newspapers published in this county ; there 
are now fourteen — several of which are in part printed in the cities. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 
Turner Post, No. 26, Grand Army Republic. — The veterans of 
the Civil War in this village and locality established a society under 
the above name. May 26, 1878. Capt. Andrew Davidson was the first 
Commander of the Post, and at present holds that office ; A. J. 
Platts, Adjutant. The following are the present members : 



Andrew Davidson, 
J. F. Reustle, 
J. F. Clark, 
R. H. Bates, 

E. S. Collar, 
H. B. Walker, 
Chas. N. Merrills, 

F. G. Jarvis, 
Abram Van Nort, 
Henry AVood, 
Jerry Parrish, 
Mort. Keough, 
Jno. C. Lasher, 
Ed. Barrett, 



Edwin M. Miller, 
U. B. Kendall, 
D. W. Bailey, 
C. R. Hartson, 
Geo. D. Hyde, 
Menzo W. El wood, 
Addison Gardner, 
Elijah Butts, 
Gardner Hollis, 
Geo. Becker, 
Abram J. Platts, 
Horatio L. Perry, 
Emmet M. Irons, 
Chas. L. Davis, 



John Blunck, 
Hugh PI Palmer, 
Horace E. Ingalls, 
John Shillito, 
F. A. Clark, 
Alfred Earing, 
Fred'k T. Jarvis, 
Allen Dickenson, 
Lester W. Murdock, 

E. F. Hubbell, 
Moses D. Ehvood, 

F. G. Shepherd, 
John H Ijoudan. 



James F. Clark Post, No. 42, Sons of Veterans, was organized 
October, 1885, with Clarence W. Davidson as Commander, and Willis 
A. Bates as Adjutant. The members now belonging to this Post are : 
Clarence W.Davidson, James H. Loudan, Edward Barrett, Jr., 
Charles A. Collar, John H. Loudan, 
Willard A. Pier, William Loudan, 

Willis A. Bates, E. Upton Lovejoy, 

Urvin I). Marsh, Andrew Spencer, 

Theo. C. Turner, James Beavan, 



Willis Gregory, 
Edward Decker, 
(tco. Earing, 
William J. Caldwell, 
Chester J. Parrish. 



The Free Masons first organized a Lodge in this village in March, 
1796. The opening was attended with considerable ceremony. They 
had a dinner, and a ball on the evening of December 27, of that year. 
The organization is at this time in a fiourishing condition. They also 
have a Chapter. Last year the lodge room was rendered very attract- 
ive by improvements and embellishments and new furniture, at an 
expense of about .1?750. 

Odd Fellows.— Otsego Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. l^S, was insti- 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 151 

tuted in this village January, 1844, Cutler Field was the first N. G. 
of the Ijodge. It is now in a more flourishing condition than at any- 
former period of its history. Mount Vision Encampment No, 15 was 
instituted February, 1848, 

Thk (jood Templars have for several years maintained an organi- 
:zation here. At present this society is not as strong in numbers as it 
was at one time. 

Thk Catholk: Benevolent Legion, organized in 1885, and now 
numbering about forty members, i-s comprised wholly of members of 
the Catholic communion. It is a social organization, and a mutual 
life insurance society. 

LIFKRARY AND OTHER ORGANfZATIONS. 
The Coof'erstown Literary Society and Debating Club, was 
organized by a few gentlem.en of this village in the winter of 1881, 
and is still. maintained. The Society owns a valuable though not lai'ge 
Reference Library. It holds weekly meetings during the winter and 
first spring months. Its present officers are : ii. Pomeroy Keese, pres- 
ident; Carlton B, Pierce, vice president; A, J. Butler, secretary ; Chas. 
P. Thompson, Treasurer. 

The Young Men's Literary Association, was organized in 1882, 
and is still maintained. Weekly meetings are held during the winter 
and first spring months. It has 21 active members. 

The Cooperstown Shakespearian Society, comprising thirteen 
ladies and gentlemen of the village, was organized in 1876. Weekly 
meetings for reading the plays of the great Poet, discussing the char- 
acters portrayed in them, reading of essays on kindred topics, <fec., are 
held during the winter. 

The AN'hist Club, of which about a score of ladies and gentlemen 
of the village are members, meets one evening in each week during the 
winter. 

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT 

of the village as now organized, is comprised as follows : 
Chief Engineer — Marcus Field. 
Assistant Engineers — Lee B, Cruttenden aiid Edwin S. Bundy. 

Phinney Hose Co., No. I, has 38 members. W. A, Cockett, Fore- 
man ; H. S. Coburn, 1st Assistant; Wm, C. Bowers, 2d Assistant. 

Nelson Hose Co., No. 2, has 27 members. LeGrand A. Brainard, 
Foreu)an ; Jacob Bell, 1st -Assistant; Wm. II. Stockings, 2d Assist- 
ant, 



152 HISTORY OF C00PER8T0WN. 

Winning Hose Co., No. 3, has 23 members. Chas. P. Thompson, 
Foreman ; Geo. D. Pennington, 1st Assistant ; Wm. D. Boden, 2d 
Assistant. 

Mechanics' Hook and Ladder Co., No. 5, lias 30 members. John 
Pank, Foreman ; Bryan McCabe, Assistant. 

Neptune Engine Co., No. 3, has 9 members. William Russell. 
Foreman. 

Fernleigh Engine is a new machine, and is not yet provided with 
a company. An effort will be made to do so at an early date, and 
also increase the membership of No. 3. 

BANKS IN COOPERSTOWN. 

An effort was made to obtain a charter for a Bank in this village 
in 1814, but the bill failed to pass the Assembly. The effort was re- 
newed ten years later, and that failed in the Senate. Finally a 
charter was secured in 1830, and the Bank was promptly organized, 
with Robert Campbell for President, and Henry Scott as Cashier. 
The latter held that position for over forty years. It was subse- 
quently changed to a National Bank, under its present title. In 
1850 it was broken into and robbed of about $30,000. 

The Bank of Cooperstown was organized, mainly through the ef- 
forts of the late Frederick A. Lee, who was its first Cashier, in 1853. 
It is now the Second National. 

The late John R. Worthing-ton organized a Bank bearing his own 
name, in 1855, with a capital of .f 50,000, and was its President and 
manager. It was afterwards called the "Worthington National 
Bank," and in 1871 Mr. Worthington sold the circulation to an 
Oneonta Bank, of which he became one of the directors. 

Present officers of the First National Bank of Cooperstown : 
Edwin M. Harris, president ; Charles K. McHarg. vice-president ; 
Theodore C. Turner, cashier ; George T. Brown, teller ; Wm. P. K. 
Fuller, book-keeper. Directors : Edwin M. Harris, Charles K. Mc- 
Harg, J. R. A. Carter, Theo. C. Turner, James Bunyan. Capital, 
$150,000. 

Present officers of the Second National Bank of Cooperstown : G. 
Pomeroy Keese, president ; Luther I. Burditt, vice-president ; Benj. 
M. Cady, cashier ; Henry L. Hinman, assistant cashier and teller ; 
George M. Jarvis, book-keeper ; Sam'l H. Potter and Samuel D. 
Edick, assistants. Directors : G. Pomeroy Keese, Luther I. Burditt, 
Andrew Shaw, B. F. Murdock, Robert Quaif, Caleb Clark, George 
Brooks, Rufus P. Luce, David A. Avery. Capital, $200,000. 



HISrORV OF COOPERSTOWN. 153 

THE AQUEDUCT ASSOCIATION. 

In 1827 the legislature incorporated this association, with Elisha 
Foote, Henry Phinney, Robert Campbell, Lawrence McNamee, Wm. 
H. Averell and William Nichols as the original company. The 
capital stock remains at !^1 0,000, and it is mainly held by a few per- 
sons. The property now held has cost about !$50,000, and there is an 
indebtedness of about !$37,()00, all but .^$2,000 due to the estate of the 
late Mr. Edward Clark. 

The present Board of Directors is composed of the following per- 
sons : Edwin M. Harris, president ; Stephen G. Browning, vice-pres- 
ident ; John L. McNamee, secretary and treasurer ; James Bunyan, 
superintendent, and Mrs. Jane R. Carter. 

The policy of the Board is to expend the net earning-s of the asso- 
ciation in laying new iron mains in the streets of the village. The 
village has a contract with the association for supplying water for 
fire purposes, and there are now about 35 hydrants on the Corpora- 
tion. 

COOPERSTOWN AND S. V. RAILROAD COMPANY. 

Capital stock paid in $308,405, of which 1^200,000 is owned by the 
town of Otsego, and .^50,000 by the town of Middlefield ; the balance 
by individuals. The road has cost about .1^500,000. The debt is 
about .^115,000. 

The officers of the road are Edwin M. Harris, president ; Charles 
R. Burch, vice-president ; B. M. Cady, secretary and treasurer. Di- 
rectors : Edwin M. Harris, Charles R. Burch, Datus E. Siver, J. 
Warren Lamb, Geo. N. Bissell, Lancelot Taylor, Horace M. Hooker, 
James Bunyan, John F. Scott, Francis Hecox, Edwin S. Bundy, J. 
Fred Reustle, A. H. Watkins. 

B. M. Cady, Secretary and Treasurer and G. T. A. ; R. W. Roundy, 
General Freight Agent ; R. I). Briggs, Master Mechanic ; Albert T. 
Van Home, local Ticket and Freight Agent. 

THE TELEPHONE. 
The establishment of the telephone at this village was taken in hand 
by Mr. Paul T. Brady, in tlie fall of 1882, under whose supervision the 
first line was built, extending from joperstown to Oneonta. The 
office here was opened in Mr. Schrom's building, Dec. 15, 1882. Other 
lines were gradually constructed until now tliey run through every 
town in the county, and we are in comnumication by telephone with 
all the villages in the county, with but two exceptions, and with the 
general system in this part of the State. A central office was estab- 
lished at Mr. Reynolds's store June 18, 1883, with 13 subscribers; 
changed to the Nelson block, Oct. 15, 1884, and there are now TO 



154 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

instruments in the dwellings and business places of the village. There 
are very few places of no greater number of inhabitants in the United 
States that have so good a system or so many instruments. Mr Brady 
has charge of the office here, with four assistants, and a general super- 
vision over a district comprising Otsego and the whole or a part of 
some other adjoining counties. 

In March Superintendent Brady made arrangements whereby he re- 
ceives daily telegrams from the Signal Service Bureau, of the weather 
probabilities for the twenty-four hours following. He erected a flag 
staff over the telephone office on Main street, Hud the flag is hoisted 
daily at 7 a. m. This is a matter of interest to all our citizens, and 
the enterprise and favor are duly appreciated. 

PROFESSION Al. AND BUSINESS MEN. 

Of the 108 persons doing business in Cooperstown in the fall of 
1851, only the following 15 remain so at this date : Luther I. Burditt, 
Dr. Thos S. Blodgett, Dr. E. P. Byram, Wm C. Bailey, Delos L. Birge, 
N. W. Cole, P. P. Cooper, George M. Grant, Samuel Harper, Geo. 
W. Holmes, Benj. F Kipp, Albert Pierce, S. M. Shaw, P. G. Tanner, 
Lorenzo White. Seventy of the 108 have died, a few have retired 
from business, others have moved away. 

PROFESSIONAL MEN. 

Pastors of Churches in Cooperstown : Baptist, Warren G. Par- 
tridge ; Catholic, Rev. Michael J. Hughes ; Episcopal, Rev. Charles S. 
Olmsted ; Methodist, Amasa F. Chaffee ; Presbyterian, Rev. James 0. 
Denniston ; Universalist, Rev. George W. Patten. 

Attorneys now in practice in the village of Cooperstown : Luther 
I. Burditt, George Brooks, Walter H Bunn, Charles T. Brewer, M. C. 
Brady, Clarence L. Barber, George B. Cole, Samuel S. Edick, Edwin 
M. Harris, Frank P. Kendall, Chatfield Leonard, James A. Lynes, 
John Lewis, Edgar H. Lake, Carlton B. Pierce, Philip H. Potter, 
Frank L. Smith, Robert M. Townsend. There are other members of 
the Bar engaged in business, who do not practice law. 

Mr. Walter H. Bunn is also U. S. Marshal of the Northern Dis- 
trict of New York, and has his office in Cooperstown. 

Physicians now in practice : 0. H. Babbitt, William T. Bassett, 
Mary A. Bassett, Thomas S. Blodgett, Lyman H. Hills, Horace La- 
throp. 

Surgeon Dentists : Albert J. Butler, E. P. Byram, C. F. Camp- 
bell, Datus E. Siver, C. I. Wadsworth. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 155 

AGKNTS, MERCHANTS, TRADERS, AND MECHANICS, 

doing business in the village of Cooperstown, March 1, 1880 : 

Accountants and Copyists. — AVm. Henry Merchant, Theodore S. 
Sayles, J. A. M. Johnston, A¥ashington Wilson. 

Agents. — James Bunyan, for A. Corning Clark ; (j. Hyde Clarke 
and Tolman C. Smith, for George Clarke. 

Apothecaries. — Jarvis & Bliss, Shumway & Church, John W. 
Richtmyer. 

Aiictioneer. — Theodore S. Sayles. 

Bakers. — Jarvis & Bliss, Mrs. Ford Gray, Mrs. Sherwood. 

Barbers. — Peter H. Hotaling, Frank A. Clark, AVill J. Chapman. 

Beer Bottling. — C. R. Hartson, A. J. Wykoff. 

Blacksmiths and Wagon Makers. — Jerome Fish, (jeorge B. Well- 
man, A. Miller, Brockham & Converse, Theodore Ball, George AV. 
Holmes & Son, Michael Little, Peter Best. 

Boarding Houses. — ''Templeton Lodge," by Mrs. (xoodwin, Misses 
Doubleday, Mrs. Palmer, Mrs. Eldred, Mrs. J. B. Thompson. 

Boat Builders. — A. H. Gazley, P. P. Cooper. 

Boating. — P. P. Cooper, A. H. Gazley, J. H. Potter, James Kelley. 

Book Agent. — James D. Ball. 

Books and Stationery. — S. J. W. Reynolds. 

Boots and Shoes.—Wm. C. Bailey, F. C. Smith k Co.. Peter 
Conine & Son. 

Brick Maker.— Philip H. Potter. 

Carpenters. — Albert Pierce, Charles L. Root, Charles E. Scott, 
James AV. Bolles, Peleg G. Smith, AA^m. B. AVood, David Bice. 

Cider Mill. — D. C. Coleman. 

Cigar Makers. — Cornelius & Maybank. 

Cloak Maker. — Miss Louisa Pickens. 

Clothiers and Tailors. — Thomas Johnston, Spingler k Gould, "Bos- 
ton Clothing House," Moses Maschke, Thomas Corwin. 

Coal, Flour, Feed, &c. — Bowers k Son, John G. Fowler. 

Coloring, and Hair Work. — Aliss Mary Holmes. 

Coojyerage. — Orrin Benton. 

Di-ess Makers. — Airs. Doty, Miss Parshall, Mrs. Alallory and Sis- 
ters, Hunter Sisters, Misses Counrod k Chamlierlain. 

Dry Goods. — B. F. Alurdock tl' Brother, Bundy Brothers, Robert 
Russell k Co., Gabriel Tyley, J. Fred Reustle, Richard Freeman. 



156 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

Elect ricnl Supplies (uul Type Writers. — Paul T. Brady. 
Express. — Office of National Express Co., Allen Gallup, agent. 
Florist. — Henry W. Gilmour. 

Furniture. — George L. White, Charles D. Cook, Samuel Harper, 
Clarence G. Cook, maker of book cases &c. 

Gas Works. — 0. R. Butler, manager. 

Geiiihmen,''s Furiiishiag Goods. — Samuel S. Bowne. 

Grist Mill. — "Pioneer Mills," owned by estate of Edward Clark, 
"Bowerstown Mills," by Cockett & Lewis. 

Groceries. — Austin & Belong, Geo. M. Grant & Co., Arthur E. 
Wood, Nathan W. Cole. 

Hardxoare and Stoves. — William E. Cory, H. M. Hooker & Co., J. 
Warren Lamb & Co., M. M. Millis. Plumbing and gas fitting by 
the three last named. 

Harness, Trunks, &c. — Joel G. White, Leopold Lewus. 

Hotels. — Cooper House by S. E. Crittenden, Hotel Fenimore by 
Jesse B. Brown, Central Hotel by Potter & Whipple, Carr's Hotel 
by L. A. Carr, Ballard House by Ballard & Millard, American Hotel 
by Albert Palmer, Clinton House by Mary McDonough. 

Hop Merchants. — John F. Scott, Andrew Shaw, Robert Quaif, 
Lane, Avery & Co., Morgan R. Stocker, A. S. Murphy, T. W. Thayer, 
S. & F. Uhlman — represented by John Vlarsb, S. Jones, R. Palmer; 
Aiken & AVeston — represented by S. M. Rose. 

/ce.— J. H. Potter. 

Insurance. — Jarvis k. Hooker, I. E. Sylvester, I). L. Birge, Philip 
H. Potter, Floyd Shumway. 

Jewelers. — Perry G. Tanner, Charles R. Burch, Jasper A. Schrom. 

Lake Steamers. — A. H. Watkins, P. P. Cooper. 

Liquor Sto7'es. — George Strachan, George Risedorf, Ed. Fulkerson. 

Lively. — Wm. H. Scott, F. C. Parshall, Al. Palmer, George T. 
Winslow. 

Marble Yard. — McCabe Brothers. 

Markets. — John Wood, Hinds Brothers, Wm. H. Michaels, Wheeler 
Drake, Nelson Smith, J. Lawyer Converse, James Reno. 

Masons. — McCabe Brothers, Murty Keough, Smith & Lasher, 
James Goodenough. 

MiViners. — Murphy Sisters, Mrs. H. K. Ball, Mrs. Emmer D. 
Gorringe, Kate Dunn, Susan M. Hewes, Mrs. Loren Brown, Mrs. E. 
D. Shumway. 



HISTORY OP COOPERSTOWN. 



151 



Pdintem and Decorators. — Frank Carroll, Wm.AV. Brainard & Son, 
George Newell, Levi Gray, Shaw Brothers, Morrison & Ray, James 
Biillis k Son. 

Pho{ogrnplie7^s.~-W2i^\imgton G. Smith, Alfred A. Cooley. 

Planing, Sawing, c&c— "Pioneer Planing Mills," John Pank, Man- 
ager ; Cockett & Lewis. 

PosloJfice.—DQlos L. Birge, Postmaster. 

Print Liuj.' — S. M. Shaw k Co., Andrew Davidson, Harvey I. Rus- 
sell. 

Re' (I Estate Agency. — Frank P. Kendall. 

Restaurants and Saloons. — Harmon Groat, Abner J. Wykoff, Ed. 
J. Hill, Dock Hicks, Charles R. Hartson, James Conner, Ed. King. 

Sewing Madiines.' — The Singer Co., John W. Hughes agent. 

Stair Builders. — William S. May, Fayette Houck. 

Surveyor.— Hqivcj B. Walker. 

Teamsters.— 3 o^Q^h. F. Mitchell, Earl Thorp, Webster Brothers, E. 
Harvey, Hudson Mulkins, Orville Adams. 

Telegraph.— -V^q^Xqyw Union Co., Miss Nellie Davidson, operator. 

Telephone.' — Paul T. Brady manager, with four assistants. 

Undertakers, <&c.— James G. Parshall, Alger k Boden. 

Upholsterer.-^J . D. Clark. 

Vetei'lnary Surgeon.- — Thomas Bulger. 

OLDEST RESIDENTS OF COOPERSTOWN. 
The following were residents of this village March 1, 188(1 : 

SEVENTY YEARS OLD, OR UPWARD. 



Smith Adsit, 
Lydia M. Adams, 
Nathan Adams, 
Peter Becker, 
Mrs. Peter Becker, 
John A. D. Becker, 
Mrs. J. A. D. Becker, 
Gen. John S. Brown, 
Mrs. J. S. Brown, 
liUther I. Burditt, 
Mrs. L. I. Burd^tt. 
Mrs. David Ball, 
Mrs. Joseph Brown, 
Reuben Barber, 



Dewitt C. Colman, 
Mrs. D. C Colman. 
Mrs. Alonzo Campbell, 
Augusta Crafts, 
Mrs.Roxanna Converse 
Mrs. John Collar, 
Mrs. Wm. Davison, 
James Dennisson, 
Norah Durken. 
(jfeorge W. Ernst, 
Elijah Eaton, 
Benajah Fitch, 
Michael Fogerty, 
Mrs. Stephen (Gregory, 



Mrs. John H. Prentiss, 
Mrs. ('ar'e M. Phimiey, 
Mrs. Mai-ia Pardee, 
John Page, 
,Mrs. John Page, 
Mrs. Geo. H. Peck, 
Robert Russell, 
Mrs. R. Russell, 
John F. Scott, 
Mrs. J. F. Scott, 
Mrs. M. L. Richtmycr, 
Mrs. Juliet Ripley, 
Mrs. Synnott, 
Peter S. Sayles, 



168 



nmroBF op cooperstowk 



Mrs. R. Barber, 
Samuel W. Bingham, 
Mrs. S. W. Bingham, 
Mrs. Catherine Barrows, 
William Brooks > 
Mrs. Wm Brooks, 
Mrs. Amy Putnam, 
Dr. E. P. Byram, 
Mrs. Mary A. Babcock, 
Peter Best, 
Amy Brown, 
Mrs. Anna Bacon, 
Mrs. Eunice Brewer, 
Mrs. Hannah Brockway 
Mrs. E. Bell, 
Lewis Bury, 
Charles Burhonse, 
Miss Susan F. Cooper, 
Peter P. Cooper, 
Mary A. Cook, 
John J. Crafts, 
Sarah Crafts, 
Betsy Crafts, 



A, G. Griggs, 
George W. Holmes, 
Mrs. G. W. Holmes, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Hatch, 
Mrs.Cath'ne Husbands 
Mrs. Catherine .Jarvis, 
Benjamin P. Kipp, 
Mrs. B. F. Kipp,* 
Mrs. Bridget Kraham, 
Daniel N. Leonard, 
Mrs. D. N. Leonard, 
Lucinda Lamb, 
Linus S. Mason, 
,Thomas Murphy, 
John L. MeNamee, 
Alexander McDonald, 
Betsey Malloy, 
Jacob M. Moak, 
Mary Moakler, 
Mrs. Mary Murphy, 
Hiram Newell, 
Mrs. Nancy M. Niles, 
John Olive, 



Mrs. P. S. Sayles, 
Mrs. Ransom Spafard, 
Charles Stocking, 
Mrs. Prudie Stocking, 
Mrs. Levi C. Turner, 
P. G. Tanner, 
Mrs. Urana Van Sice, 
Walter Van Home, 
Mrs. W. Van Home, 
Mrs. Levi Wood, 
Mrs S. L. Williams, 
Mrs.J. R.Worthington, 
Mrs. Reus. Waterman, 
Isaac K. Williams, 
Mrs I. K. Williams, 
Mrs. Susan Walts, 
John Wood, 
Elizabeth Walrath, 
Mrs. Joseph L. White, 
Mrs. Catherine Wilson, 
Chauncey Williams, 
Leonard Weeks.* 



Lydia M. Adams, 
Peter Becker, 
Mrs. P. Becker, 
Henry J. Bowers, 
Wm. C. Bailey, 
Mrs. W. O. Bailey, 
Mrs. Catherine Barrows 
Samuel VV. Bingham, 
Mrs S. W. Bingham, 
Theodore Ball, 
13. Franklin Beadle, 
Daniel Boden, 
Mrs. Peter Best, 
Geo. S. Bradford, 
John S. Bailey, 
Wm. l?ecker, 
Eliza Bo wen, 
M'hoSv IE Binoham, 



FIFTY YEARS RESIDENTS. 

Mrs. N. W. Cole, 
Mrs. E. S. Coffin, 
James Cuppernoll, 
Emily W. Doubleday, 
Caroline Doubleday, 
Geo. W. Ernst, 
, Hiram Eddy, 
Marcus Field, 
Mrs. M. Field, 
Mrs. John F^ogleston, 
Mrs. Russell Fitch, 
Mrs. Stephen Gregory, 
Harmon Groat, 
John Cv Graves, 
Geo. W. Holmes, 
Mrs. N. C. Herdman, 
Susan M. Hewes, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Hatch, 



Annie W. Phinney, 
Mrs. INIaiie Pardee, 

Wm. (J. Persons, 
Mrs. (tco. H. Peck, 
Mrs. Alfred Robinson, 
Jacob (' Snyder, 
Mrs. J. C. Snyder, 
John J. Short, 
Peter S. Sayles, 
Mrs. P. S. Sayles, 
Theo. S. Sayles, 
Mrs. A. Shattuck, 
Mrs. Levi C. Turner, 
iMrs. Urana Van Sice, 
Mrs. Annie Van Nort, 
Adam Van Nort, 
Mrs. Adam Van Nort, 
Mrs..! . R.Worthington , 



HISTORY OP COOPRRSTOWm 159 

Amelia Boden, A. Celestia Ingalls, Mrs. Wasli'n Wilson- 

Miss Susan F. Cooper, Benjamin F. Kipp, Mrs. A. H. Watkins, 
Mrs. Richard ('ooper, Mrs. B. F. Kipp,* Mrs. P. W. Winne, 
Mrs. M. (vooper- Clarke, Dr. Horace Latlirop, Mrs. Jerome B. Wood, 
Mary A. Cook, Lucinda Lamb, Oliver J. Walrath, 

AVm E. <Jory, Mrs. C. K* McHarg, Chauncyy Williams, 

Mrs. Wm. E. Cory, Mrs. J. H. Prentiss, Geo. B. Wellman, 
I'hoebe F. Cory, Elihu Phinney, Mrs. S, L.Williams. 

*Deceased since March 1. 

The above is a most remarkable record for a village with a, popula- 
tion of about 2,600. Of the above 110 who are 70 or upwards, 24- are 
80 or upwards, Norah Derkin is about 9.5, and Mrs. Levi Wood is in 
her 95th year. The average age of the 110 is 77i years. 

BHIRF PERSONAL MENTION. 

A residence of over thirty-four years in Cooperstown-Mluring 
which period nearly a generation of people have passed away-— en- 
ables the writer to bear the most sincere and hearty testimony to the 
kindness, sympathy and good feeling which form a marked and dis- 
tinguishing feature characteristic of this community. In sickness or 
misfortune, no worthy person is allowed to suffer, if the case be made 
known. 

In 1861 there were 38 persons then living on this corporation who 
had been residents for fifty years, or over. The present survivors of 
that band are : Mrs. Stephen Gregory, Mrs. Levi C. Turner, Mrs. 
Samuel W. Bingham, Mrs. John H. Prentiss— four ladies. 

Of the 23 old families mentioned by Mr. Cooper in Chap. A"I. of 
the (Chronicles, as being longest residents of Cooperstown, in 1838. 
20 are still represented by their descendants living here. 

Hon. Samuel Nelson, for many years a resident of Cooperstowri, 
Was first appointed a Judge in 1823, and he remained upon the Bench 
for the period of fifty years- — the only case on record, in any age or 
country, so far as the writer has been able to ascertain. He was 
eight years Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in this State, and in 
1845 went upon the bench of the Supreme Court of the United 
States, w^here he held very high rank. Personally he was genial, cor- 
dial, sincere, highly popular with all classes and ranks of men. An 
extended notice of the retirement of the Judge appears in preceding 
pages of "The (/hronicles." 

One of the most interesting conversationalists of the old-school 
gentlemen whom we have known in Cooperstown, was Mr. Elihu/ 
Phinney, Sr., and he was a man of activ»5 intellect and great onoi'cjy 



160 HISTORY OF COOPEmTOWN. 

of character. He was perfectly familiar with all the facts of inter- 
est pertaining to the early history of this village. 

Cooperstown lost one of its best and most useful citizens when Mr, 
Theodore Keese died in 1858. He was President and the controll- 
ing spirit at the time of the Bank of Cooperstown, and was active 
in church work ; in all positions capable and reliable. He had been 
an active merchant for several years in New York, and had retired 
to Cooperstown, the early home of his wife, a niece of Mr. J. Feni- 
more Cooper, for a quiet life. 

Horace Laturop, Esq., was a lawyer who had the confidence and 
respect of all who knew him. He was a quiet but genial man, with 
a keen sense of the humorous. He died in 1862. 

Col. John H. Prentiss was a noted figure in Cooperstown society, 
a fine-looking gentleman of the old school. For a period of over 
forty years he was the editor and proprietor of the Freeman's Jour- 
nal, and he served two terms in Congress. He retired from the paper 
in 1849, and from 18,58 to 1861, when he died, was President of the 
Bank of Cooperstown, changed to the vSecond National of this vil- 
lage. His widow survives him ; is now 86 years of age, and is the 
oldest native-born resident of Coojjerstown. 

Among the first of the old people we met and were kindly greeted 
by, on coming to Cooperstown, were Mr. and Mrs. George Pomeroy. 
The "Doctor," as Mr Pomeroy was always called, was for a great 
many years Town Clerk. Mrs Pomeroy was sister to VI r. Cooper ; 
she lived to see over 86 years, and till her final brief illness was a 
model of industry. Some of the wonderfully beautiful zephyr shawls 
which she knit for the church basket are still extant. 

"Uncle Ellery Cory," as he was affectionately called from the 
time we first made his acquaintance in 1851 till he died, was a most 
industrious, energetic, public-spirited citizen — a man of action rather 
than of words, a friend to rely upon in the hour of need, charitable 
in opinion and liberal in deed. 

Mr. John R. Worthinoton was a genial, pleasant man, with fine 
social qualities, with whom it was always a pleasure to spend a spare 
hour. His wealth was the means of starting in business and building 
up many others. Died in 1878. 

Mr. Henry F. I^hinney did more perhaps than any other man to 
improve this village, for which he entertained the strongest attach- 
ment. In his elforts in this direction, he acquired a large amount of 
real estate, and in the end lost a handsome fortune. For various 
benevolent purposes he was a liberal giver. Died in 1875. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTO}^JN, . 161 

Mr. WiiJJAM H. AvERKLL, whose long life was spent in Coopei-s- 
town, was a highly intellectual man, of marked personality — strongly 
wedded to his own views of public affairs and business matters ; but 
ever ready to lend a helping hand to any one needing the ready means 
to prosecute a legitimate calling, often taking inadequate security for 
his loans. No man was a more steadfast friend to those who had 
gained his confidence and respect. He Avas at one time one of the 
Bank Commissioners of this State, and was for a long time influen- 
tial in the counsels of the old Whig party, of which he was a promi- 
nent member, 

Mr. Joshua H. Story was one of the most active, energetic, wide- 
awake and enterprising merchants and real estate owners in Coopers- 
town. He was a good landlord, for he kept his property in excellent 
condition. He died in 1871. 

Mr. Jedediah P, Sill was very active in the building of the Coop- 
erstown railroad, the widening of Main street after the fire, and in 
other village improvements. Died in 1875, and was at that time 
President of the Second National Bank, 

Mr. Frederick A. Lee was another very active and useful citizen. 
It was through his instrumentality that the Bank of Cooperstown 
was established, and he was it first Cashier and afterwards President. 
He actively identified himself with all the improvements and inter- 
ests of the village, and it was through his labors that Lakewood 
Cemetery was established in 1856. He was the first President of its 
Board of Trustees, 

Mr. Henry S('OTt, who was for four decades connected with the 
Otsego County and the First National Banks, as Cashier or Presi- 
dent, was a good business man, a prudent and pains-taking official, 
and a pleasant gentleman in social circles. 

Mr. (jeorge L. Bowne, who came here from Florida after the civil 
war broke out, did a great deal for the improvement of Cooperstown 
after the great fire. Died in 1866. 

The coming to (Jooperstown of Mr. Edward Clark in 1856, and 
the purchase by him of "Apple Hill," now ''Fernleigh," was of great 
benefit to the village. He expended large sums of money in the 
erection of his elegant mansion and buildings belonging thereto, the 
improvement of neighboring property, the construction of Hotel 
Fenimore, the Pioneer Mills, a number of cottages, kc. — thus giving 
steady employment to a large number of mechanics and laborers. 
He became an extensive owner of farm lands in the vicinity of the 
village — bought by him mainly on the solicitation of tlio owners 

11 



162 - HISTORY OF C00PER8T0WN. 

thereof. His two splendid lake-hill farms were willed to his grand- 
sons. 

Tho's Clarke followed the calling of his Master, that of carpenter 
and few men of Cooperstown that we have known more closely fol- 
lowed His example in his daily life. He was a man of much intelli- 
gence, and of uniform cheerfulness and courtesy. In all business 
matters he was most reliable and faithful ; in his church he was a 
modest but a strong pillar. 

William Wilson, the tailor, or as everybody called him, "Billy 
Wilson," was one of the early settlers, and an interesting character, 
full of anecdotes and reminiscences of by-gone days. He died in 
1866, aged 77 years, esteemed by all who knew him. 

One of the kindest-hearted men and most faithful physicians we 
ever knew in Cooperstown, was Dr. Thomas Smith, who died in 1875, 
a bachelor of 70 years. 

A most courteous old-school gentleman was Thomas McIntosh, 
who had lost his sight when we first received a call from him in 1851. 
He died nine years later, aged 70. 

In January, 1884, died Samuel A. Bowen, and in December of 
that year Hezekiah Sturges, both of whom had held the office of 
(bounty Judge. The former was only 49 years old ; the latter 65 
In the death of these two gentlemen — the former still in the prime 
of life — Cooperstown and the Bar of Otsego met with a loss which 
was deeply felt. Judge Bowen had held the office of District Attor- 
ney and County Judge each two terms, and discharged their duties 
with marked ability. Judge Sturges had served one term as County 
Judge, and for upwards of three years had been one of the Board of 
Canal Appraisers, a highly important State office. 

One of the first and most pleasant calls we had, a few days after 
coming to Cooperstown to reside, was from Mr. Andrew M. Barber, 
then editor of the Republican. He was a pleasant, companionable, 
jovial man, and a general favorite in this community. As a writer he 
was bright, pugnant and witty. Our personal relations continued on 
the most friendly and pleasant terms till his death in 1855. 

Mrs. Schuyler Crippen, who was a daughter of Isaac Cooper, and 
Mrs E. B. Morehouse, who was a daughter of Dr. Fuller, had no 
superiors in (Cooperstown society during the long period that they 
adorned it, and that is saying a great deal. They were first in all that 
goes to make up what is most attractive in female character. Mrs^. 
Crippen died in 1862 ; Mrs. Morehouse in 1870. Miss Martha S. 
Bowers, who retained the '•lia.kelands" mansion after the death of 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOW]^. 1G3 

her venerable mother, and maintained its ancient hospitality, was 
closely identified with C'ooperstown society and interests until her 
death in 1881 If ever a woman deserved the title of "saint," it be- 
longed to Miss Bowers by virtue of her liberality and tender regard 
for the sick, the poor, the unfortunate. 

Mr. Alfred Clarke, who lived on his beautiful farm about eight 
miles from Cooperstown, on the west bank of the Lake, until his 
death in 1869, was much identified socially with the people of this 
village, and was a well-read and cultivated gentleman, whose presence 
always gave pleasure and enjoyment to his friends here. He took a 
lively interest in the affairs of the County Agricultural Society, of 
which he was at one time President. His widow has for several years 
been a resident of Cooperstown. 

Of Dr. Ariel Spafard, who came here in 1822, studied with 
Dr. Fuller, and practiced until his death m 1845, a personal friend 
who knew him Avell says : "I should like to say. in your 'personals,' 
that Cooperstown never had a more useful citizen or better physician 
than Dr. Spafard He was at one time one of the State medical 
censors ; for many years he served the town with great efficiency as 
school commissioner ; at one time was a teacher, and he did much to 
advance the cause of common school education in this town. It was 
his daught-er who taught school here for several years." 

Mr. Cooper says the village of Cooperstown furnished six of the 
eleven gentlemen first elected to Congress from this county, which 
comprised a congressional district by itself, and speaks of John M. 
Bowers, Esq., as one of them The certificate of election was given 
Mr. Bowers because of the fact that the board of canvassers of one 
of the towns, in 1813, returned the vote for Hon. Isaac A¥illia>is 
without the "Jr." attached to his name, and the result was so close 
that without such vote, it showed the election of Mr. Bowers, who 
sat through a short special session ; but at the first regular session, 
when the matter was brought before it, C^ongress gave the seat to ]\Ir. 
Williams, who was three times chosen to this office. He was a resi- 
dent of this town. Since the time when Mr. Cooper wa-ote, this 
village has been honored with but one Representative in Congress, 
Hon, Samuel S. Bowne, who was elected in 1840. 

Mrs. IjFxi Wood is now the oldest person residing on this corpora- 
tion, having attained 94 years on the 1st September, 1885. Fler 
maiden name was Olive Mason, and she is a native of Cheshire. Mas- 
sachusetts. She came to the town of Middlefield in 1813, one year 
after her marriage in her native place, the ceremony being performed 
by Rev. Jolm Iceland, the not<vl l^aptist divine^ and politician. She 



164 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWK 

came to Cooi>erstown with her husband in 1835, and she has hVed 
here ever since the death of her husband in 1870, with her daughter, 
Mrs Wm. E. Cory. She has had five children, two of whom are now 
living, fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Mrs, 
Wood is the oldest member of the Universalist church in Coopers- 
town. She is a most charming old lady, retaining her mental facul- 
ties and general health to a remarkable degi"ee for one who has lived 
nearly a century. Her recollection of important events which oc- 
curred in this country and in Europe sixty to eighty years ago, is very 
good, and it is a great pleasure to hear her talk of them. And she 
has not lost her interest in the passing events of the day. 

The first line in this book was put in type by Isaac K. Williams, 
the senior printer in Otsego county, and for 32 of his 74 years 
connected with the Joiirnal ofiice. He was at one time one of the 
proprietors of the Otsego Republican. 

A BRIEF MENTION OF FACTS. 

A Postoffice was first opened in Cooperstown, June 1, 1794, and 
Joseph Griffin was the Postmaster. For several years the mail arrived 
weekly, then twice a week, then thrice, then daily. A permanent 
daily mail was not established until 1821. 

As early as 1806 between three and four thousand dollars had been 
expended to furnish Cooperstown with drinking water. 

The house in which Mr. H. J. Bowers now resides was the first 
stone dwelling put up in Cooperstown. It was built in 1804 by 
Judge Cooper, for his daughter, Mrs. Pomeroy. 

The first brick house erected in Cooperstown, was by John Miller, 
in 1802. Is now owned and occupied by Dr. Campbell. 

The first Lake party, a source of amusement which has become so 
popular on the waters of Otsego, took place in the month of August, 
1799. It was given by Judge Cooper, for the entertainment of a 
number of friends from Philadelphia. The party, numbering about 
twenty -five, embarked in Indian canoes and flat-bottomed skiffs, the 
place of rendezvous being the Two Mile Point, on the eastern shore 
of the Lake. A "general Lake party," once the great social feature of 
Cooperstown, is a thing of the past. One has scarcely been attempted 
for several years past. But a great many neighborhood , Sunday School 
and family parties are given every summer at Three Mile and other 
'^Points" on the Lake. 

Since the preceeding section of this book was printed, the Masonic 
Order of Cooperstown, Lodge 138, has purchased the "Phinney block'' 
on Pioneer street, in which their lodge room is located. 



HISTORY OF COOPEBSTOWN, 165 

The Otsego County Medical Society was organized at the Court 
House in Cooperstown, July 1, 1806, and Dr. Joseph White of Cher- 
ry Valle/ was its iirst President, and Dr. Thomas Fuller of Coopers- 
town, Vice President. 

The Otsego County Bible Society was organized March 7, 1813, 
aud Rev. Daniel Nash was its first President. 

Governor Lewis visited Cooperstown September 17, 1806, to attend 
a military review, which was quite a grand affair. 

The first Academy erected in Cooperstown, and which was destroyed 
by fire, stood on the corner now occupied by the Universalist church. 

In 1813 John F. Ernst of this village received license to sell by 
retail, merchandise other than wines and spirits, by paying, as was the 
custom, ten dollars for his license, which was countersigned by Jede- 
diah Peck. This document was recently shown us by Mr. George W, 
Ernst, the surviving son. 

'I^he road on the east side of the Lake to East Springfield, was 
opened about 1825, as the Otsego Lake Turnpike, is continued as such, 
and the stock is principally owned by George Clarke, 

The "Cooperstown and Fort Plain Plank Road Co." was organized 
and the road built about the year 1850, The road was kept up for 
about twenty years, first as a plank and then as a partially McAdam- 
ized road. There were at one time five or six toll gates on it. 

Mr. T. C. Smith, president of the County Agricultural Society, 
says he can remember attending a fair once held by the Society, 
when he was a boy, on the grounds now owned by Mr. John F. Scott, 
a little southwest of "Woodside" mansion. 

When the Journal ofiice changed hands in 1851, all the four hand 
printing presses then in this village could not make to exceed eighteen 
impressions a minute. The presses now owned in the village, all run- 
ning at one time, would make not less than 2()0 impressions a minute. 

In the summer of 1831, a boat propelled by horse-power was run- 
ning on the Lake, carrying parties to different points, furnishing meals, 
and music for dancing on deck. In 1 858, a small steamer was on the 
Lake, large enough to carry half a dozen, but too small for convenience 
and pleasure. Neither of these boats was ever much used by the 
citizens of Cooperstown. 

It WciS quite an event in Cooperstown when the first elephant was 
exhibited here in 1813. 

Since the death of Mr. J. H. Story in 1871, and that of Mr. II F. 
Phinney in 1875, and the sale to various parties of the many dwellings, 



166 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 

stores and lots owned by them in their lifetime, real estate on this 
corporation has been mainly owned by the respective occupants. Mr. 
Luther I. Burditt and his son W. Dean Burditt, have within four 
years erected a number of small cottages to rent, on land owned by 
them. Mr. George Clarke has added two or three pieces of real estate 
to his former possessions. 

The Cooperstown Uas Light Company was organized in 1861, the 
stock being owned by a few persons. It was subsequently sold to 
Dorr Russell, and by him to 0. R. Butler. 

At one time several branches of manufacture were carried on in 
Cooperstown ; at present very few persons are employed in the pro- 
duction of any manufactured articles. 'I'he McCabe Brothers, build- 
ers and stone-cutters, employ Irom 4.o to 60 men in their business, 
which is the heaviest of any now pursued here. All of the hats, boots 
and shoes, and most of the clothing, are made elsewhere in large fac- 
tories. 

The student of natural history finds Cooperstown and vicinity a 
favored locality for the pursuit of his studies and investigations, 'rhe 
number and variety of trees, shrubs, mosses, ferns, flowers, grasses, etc., 
growing here is very large, and not a few of them rare ; only in one 
place in this county, so far as we are advised, and that just off the 
village corporation, has the noted "walking fern," genus Lycopodium, 
been found. This locality is also visited by a great variety of birds, 
butterflies, moths of the larger species, etc. 

In the list of those engaged in business here, should have appeared 
the names of C. S. Derrick, Geo. Holmes, VV. N. Potter, Mrs. B. F. 
Austin, Mrs. (yora A. Barnum, Mrs. L. A.. Kaple, Miss Julia E. But- 
ler, Miss Eva Counrod, Miss Mary Holmes and Miss Mary A. Williams, 
as instructors in music. 

For a long time Cooperstown boasted a sulphur spring, located near 
the foot of Fair street, but it was lost in certain improvements njade 
there about ten years ago. The water was not strongly impregnated 
with sulphur. It is the belief of those whose opinion in such mat- 
ters is entitled to respect, that a sulphur spring of value may be de- 
veloped here by deep boring. There are two or more such springs on 
the east side of the Lake, a few miles north of the village. 

The Three Mile f*oint House was bought by Mr. A. W.Thayer 
about twenty-two years ago ; the House at Five Mile Point by Mr. J. 
D. Tunnicliif about thirty-five years ago. Both have remained in the 
same hands ever since. 

In one of Mr. Cooper's novels occurs the following passage: "He 



HISTOKV OF COOPERSTOWN. 167 

dismounted in front of the house and tied his horse to a large locust." 
A French author, in translating this passage, renders it thus : 'He 
descended from his horse in front of his chateau, and tied him to a 
large grasshopper." 

St. Paul, Minn., is often spoken of as a favorable location for per- 
sons threatened with pulmonary diseases. Actual tests and compari- 
sons have shown that (^ooperstown affords a more uniform tempera- 
ture and a dryer atmosphere than St. Paul. It is very seldom that a 
case of consumption is reported in this village, 

PERSONAL MATTERS. 

THE EARLY SOCIETY OF (X)OPERSTOWN, 

It is an admitted fact on the part, of all who mingled in it, was very 
attractive. Like the scenes about the Lake, it left its impress on 
cultivated minds. As a prelude to an address which he delivered 
here in July, 1882, the late Hon. Isaac N. Arnold remarked : 

It is now more than forty years since in early manhood ] left this 
beautiful village to seek my fortunes at Chicago. If I addressed a 
Cooperstown audience in those early days, I expected to see among 
my hearers that great and upright Judge Samuel Nelson, that most 
eloquent and witty advocate E. B. Morehouse, that profound real 
estate lawyer Robert Campbell, and that accomplished and courtly 
gentleman John M. Bowers, 'i'he intellectual and courteous Will- 
iam H. Averell, the friend of every worthy and ambitious young 
man, would have given me a kindly greeting. The cordial and genial 
Levi C. Turner would have occupied a front seat. Col. John H. 
Prentiss would have been sure to have given me a flattering notice 
in the Fieemans Journal ; H. & E. Phinney would have printed my 
address in pamphlet ; Fenimore Cooper and his nephew Pichard 
might have honored me with their j^resence ; Richard Worthington 
and Henry Ernst would have furnished music, if music was needed ; 
Elder Bostwick of Hartwick, or the Rev. Mr. 'i'iffany would have 
openeii the meeting with prayer, and in the audience I should have 
seen the Starkweathers, Fullers, Pomeroys, Doubledays. Spafards, 
Graveses Scotts, Perkins, McNamees, and many others, some of whose 
sons and daughters and grand-children I see here to-night. AA'ith 
the smiling face of the politest negro in the world, Joe Tom would 
have been seen bringing me a glass of water, seating strangers, and 
master of the ceremonies generally. Since those early days, whicli I 
so happily passed here, I have been something of a traveler. I have 
heard the songs of Tom Moore sung on the shores of the liake Killar- 
ney ; 1 have visited the English I^akes, the haunts of Wordsworth, 



168 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 

De Quincey and Coleridge ; and I have listened to the poetry of 
Scott, and the songs of Burns on Lochs Lomond, Katrine, and amid 
the Trossachs ; I have seen the grand mountains of Switzerland, 
shadowing their snowy peaks in the blue waters of Lakes Zurich and 
Geneva ; I have crossed the Siniplon into Italy, and lingered on the 
shores of Como and Maggiore ; and while of course I have seen Lake 
scenery far more bold and sublime, yet for quiet, pastoral, picturesque 
beauty, I have not seen any where, anything to surpass the Otsego. 

I should love to linger still longer among the local and poetic as- 
sociations of these head-waters of the Susquehanna. As I climb 
your hills ajid tread your woodland paths, as I drive up and down 
these picturesque valleys, it is to me all haunted ground. The scenes 
and characters of other days come thronging back to me. I seem in 
fancy to meet the imposing form of James Fenimore Cooper, as when 
a boy I used to meet him, in his daily walk from "the Hall"' to the 
"Chalet." I can not pass "Lakelands" without hearing the kindly 
greeting of Mr. Bowers, or meeting the vision of his most lovely 
daughters. 

As I climb the old path that leads to Mount Vision and Prospect 
Rock, passing ".Woodside" I hear again the wit and eloquence of 
Judge Morehouse ; the rocks again echo with "Auld Lang Syne" and 
"Scots wha ha'." I hear once more the sweet and plaintive voice of 
Mrs. Morehouse reciting the lines of Cowper and Halleck, Grey and 
Milton. If I pass the site of the old Court House, where I made my 
first speech at the Bar, I hear again the eloquent words of Joshua A. 
Spencer, of Ambrose L. Jordan, of the Starkweathers, of S. S. Bowne 
and Chatfield, and the court room rings with the laugh which the 
humor of Alvan Stewart never failed to call forth. But I am linger- 
ing too long over these sad but pleasant memories and I will proceed 
to my theme. 

THE PICTURE OF A WOMAN. 

Kate Dorrance, second daughter of Mr. John R. Worthington, was 
from her childhood a universal favorite in Cooperstown society. 
Perhaps, next to her own family circle, in none other was she more 
truly loved and admired, from early girlhood until her death in 1865, 
about a year after her marriage to Dr. Gregory, than by the writer 
and his wife. In her early departure we were bereaved, as we might 
have been by the death of a beloved younger sister. Those w ho inti- 
mately knew her, recognized the following "Picture of a Woman," 
which appeared in the local column of the Freeman's Journal in 
November, 1872 : 



HISTORY OF COOFERSTOWN. 169 

* * * In that Picture of a Woman in life's early morn, just 
presented us by her brother, perhaps you see nothing very peculiar or 
striking. It is not eminently beautiful, and yet the original was in 
feature and form attractive and "fair to look upon" in life — almost 
angelic in death ; it bears not the stamp of intellect beyond that of 
the educated and clever women about you — still her mind was unusu- 
ally active and bright, her wit keen, her appreciation of the beautiful 
strong, her sense of the ludicrous most acute. ''There is a look of 
goodness and gentleness about it," you say ; yes, the workings of a 
pure mind and a loving heart were reflected like a mirror in that 
young face, so mobile in its expression, so quick to light up with un- 
usual glow ; and her joyous laugh was like the music of a rippling 
and sparkling brook. AYe may not interest you in this picture, if 
you knew not the original ; yet our pen-sketch may possibly call to 
mind some other picture, form, or ideal character, on which you love 
to dwell in hours of mental revery. It is to us "a thing of beauty," 
for it speaks of the beautiful and charming in character — of one who 
possessed so many of the elements of "the perfect woman." We 
never knew one whose society was more acceptable to older persons 
— she was so joyous, so uniformly happy, so truly sympathetic, so 
entirely destitute of selfishness, even in little things. That marked 
unselfishness was a peculiarly distinguishing natural trait from child- 
hood — it won the love and admiration of her own sex. As a child, 
maiden, woman, she was always interesting ; her presence like a 
sunbeam. 

Do not the pictures of such characters, hung about your home, or 
dwelling in the chambers of the heart, possess for you a living charm 
and a holy influence ? — do they not speak to you at times, and recall 
fond old memories ? awaken pleasant recollections of the past ? 
sometimes create a longing for a glimpse through that "open door" of 
the future, and even set the "gate ajar ?" "And you say the original 
of this picture has passed through?" Among the many little folk 
who flock to our pleasant village in summer-time, is one of seven 
years, whose ringing laugh and nervous manner recall one who was 
but nine years old when we first knew her, and whose eyes closed 
forever as they first gazed on this child, who bears her name — ^'E 23. 
A life for a life. A double birth — one born to heaven, one to earth. 
The ashes of the mother repose on the banks of our Lake, that so 
often reflected her bright image, and echoed the notes of her merry 
laugh and her joyous songs. 

now A KARM WAS OHTAINKn. 

In his "Reminiscences," Hon. Levi Beardsley relates the following 



170 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

anecdote of Judge Cooper, the founder of the village of Coopers- 
town : 

As Judge Cooper has been introduced, I may as well relate an in- 
cident witnessed by my father, not far from this time, and I am not 
sure but the very time he went to Cooperstown to receive his com- 
mission. I have thought it strange that James F. Cooper, the nov- 
elist, has not introduced it in some of his works, and once spoke to 
him about it and related the circumstances, as njy father described 
them. A wrestling match was got up, in front of Griffin's, where a 
ring was formed, and the parties matched for the contest. Judge 
Cooper said he was a wrestler himself ; and believed he could throw 
any man in the county ; and further, that he wanted to find a man 
on his patent, who could throw him ; remarking, that he would give 
any one in the company, one hundred acres of land, who would throw 
him at arms length. Timothy Morse, who I have elsewhere men- 
tioned as a strong man, stepped up and laying his hands on the 
judge's shoulder, said, "Cooper, I believe I can lay you on your back." 
Cooper replied, "If you can I will give you one hundred acres." A 
ring was formed, and at it they went, and Morse soon brought him 
to the position indicated. The judge got up and ordered Richard 
Smith, his clerk, to make ou^t the necessary papers for one hundred 
acres. This Richard Smith was the first sheriff of the county. 

When I mentioned this to James F. Cooper, he remarked that "it 
used to be fashionable to wrestle where his father was brought up, 
and from whence he removed to Otsego county ; and that William 
Penn was a celebrated wrestler, and introduced and encouraged this 
with other athletic sports among his colonists." 

THE WALKS, S.\II.S AND DRIVES ABOUT COOPERSTOWN. 
Near points of interest, and minutes walk to them from the 
Postoffice in Cooperstown : 

Site of Otsego Hall, Cooper's home, 3 minutes. 

Cooper's Grave, Episcopal Church yard, 5 minutes. 

Fair View Road, in rear Cooper House, 15 minutes. 

Lakewood Cemetery, east side of the Lake, lo minutes. 

Hannah's Hill, west side of the Lake, 25 minutes. 

Prospect Rock, east side, 30 minutes. 

Mount Vision, east side, 35 minutes. 

Leatherstocking's Cave, east side, 50 minutes. 

Points to be reached by boats, and distances from the dock : 

One-Half Mile Bay, west side, i mile. 

Down the shady Susquehanna to River Dam, \ mile. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 171 

H'he Echo and Natty Bunippo's Cave, east side of the lake, 1 mile. 

Lakewood Cemetery Landing, east side, I mile. 

Fairy Spring, east side, \ mile. 

The Grove, west side, 1| miles. 

Point Judith, east side, 2 miles. 

Point Florence, east side, 2^ miles. 

Water Lily Bay, west side, 2\ miles. 

Hurry Harry, east side, 3 miles. 

Wild Rose Point, or Three Mile Point, west side, 3 miles. 

Deer Brook (the "Dugway") east side, 4| miles. 

Five Mile Point, west side, .5 miles. 

Canon, at Five Mile Point, west side, 5 miles. 

Hutter's Point, west side, .5| miles. 

Gravelly Point, east side, 6 miles. 

Hickory Grove, west side, 6 miles. 

Pegg s Point, east side, 7 miles. 

Hyde Hall, Mt. Wellington, 8 miles. 

The Shoal, Site of Muskrat Castle, west side, 7| miles. 

Ocean Grove, Steamer Gem's landing, west side. 8 miles. 

Island Cottage, Natty Bumppo's landing, west side, 8 miles. 

Head of the Lake, 9 miles. 

Among the most pleasant carriage drives about this village, may be 
mentioned the following : 

Up the west side of the I^ake, to the first road on the left ; take 
that, and each succeeding left hand road, till you re-enter the village. 
Distance about eight miles. 

Up the west side of the Lake, till you reach the second road ; on 
through Pierstown, till you reach the first road running toward the 
Lake ; that terminates at Five Mile Point ; south along the Lake, till 
you re-enter the village. Distance about eleven miles. 

Up the east side of the Lake, about three miles, take the road lead- 
ing across the mountain, and which affords some of the finest views 
near the Lake ; turn to the right on reaching the valley beyond, and 
return to Cooperstown by the "A^ision" road. Distance about nine 
miles. 

Down the river road, west side, about three miles ; cross the valley 
by the first road, Phcenix Mills bridge ; return to the village by 
the road on the east side of the river. Or. continue on down the 
river about six miles from Cooperstown, to the Clinton factory, and 
cross there. 

Down the river road to the first road on the right ; take that, 
through Toddsville, and return to the village by taking either a road 



172 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 

over the hills, two turns to the right ; or, turn to the left and come 
back by way of the river road. The latter about seven miles ; the 
former about eight miles. 

Down the river road to the road next below Hartwick Seminary ; 
turn to the right, and at the top of the hill you reach two beautiful 
little lakes. T'he view from this point, of the Lake and village of 
Oooperstown, is a very fine one. 

Down the river road about three miles, turn to the right, and on to 
Hartwick village, distant about nine miles from Oooperstown. A 
level road, most of the distance, and some very pretty scenery. 

Cross either bridge at the village, into Middlefield ; turn south, 
and then drive around the "beaver meadow," going one side of the 
hill and returning the other. Distance about seven miles. If you 
prefer a hill road, extensive views, and a longer drive, you can get 
them by going in any direction driving east after cossing the river. 

The drive to Wykoff's tower, on "Mount Otsego," about eight miles 
north of (Oooperstown, affords one of the best and most extensive 
views in the State. 

"Hooker Mountain," ten miles south, rivals "Rum Hill," in the 
variety and extent of prospect ; many of the prominent peaks of the 
(Jatskills are distinctly visible on a clear day. In going take the road 
through Westville, and return by the "gulf," on the direct road to 
Schenevus. 

"Moose Hill," near the line of Middlefield and Westford, about 
eight miles southeast of Oooperstown, affords an extensive view of a 
beautiful section of country. 

In driving to Richfield Springs, it is well to go by way of the Lake 
to Five Mile Point, and over the hills to that noted summer resort ; 
or, through Pierstown and over "Rum Hill"; return by way of 
Schuyler's Lake. Or, take the lake boat and tally-ho coach. There 
are several other routes to Richfield. 

In driving to Oherry Yalley, those who do not know the different 
routes to that historic village, will do well to follow the telegraph 
wires leading there. Or, drive to the head of the lake, turn to the 
right, and on about four miles to the village. Distance there, by this 
route, about fifteen miles. 

A drive around the Lake, distance about twenty miles, direct route, 
or twenty-five miles through the villages of Springfield, is one of the 
most pleasant. 

'I'he drive to Sharon Sj^rings, via Oherry Yalley, is about twenty- 
three miles. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 173 

OBITUARY. 
The death roll of the past thirty five years records the names of the 
following prominent citizens of Cooperstown, business men, and aged 
well-known residents, among many others. It is often the case that 
reference to the exact date of the death of some such person is sought, 
therefore we iusert this list in the History : 
1851— ^Sept 14, James Fenimore Cooper, aged 62 years. 

Oct. 29, Mrs. Mary Fuller, relict of Dr. 'J'homas Fuller, in her 
8Uth year. 
1852— ^ Jan. 20, Mrs. iSusan Augusta, relict of J. Fenimore Cooper, in 
her 60th year. 

March 15, Mrs. Martha Wilson, in her 94th year, 

Dec. 8, Moses Lippitt, in his oOth year. 
1853 — Jan. 4, Wm. Burke, aged 84 years. 
1854 — June 16, Col. Peter Magher, aged 80 years. 

July 10, Lawrence McNamee, aged 82 years. 

Oct. 22, Mrs. C. Dorrance, relict of Dr. 'JVumbull Dorrance, 
aged 79 years. 

Oct. 17, Chandler Root, in his 48th year. 

Dec. 21, David Willard, aged 42 years. 
J 855 — 'April 4, Abner Graves, aged 89 years. 

May 4, James Stowell, aged 68 years. 

Aug. 8, Dr. James M. Peak, aged 47 years. 

Aug. 24, Andrew M. Barber, aged 41 years. 
1856— May 9, Elijah Hyde Metcalf, aged 40 years. 

Aug. 8, I>iewis R. Palmer, aged 41 years. 

Aug. 16, Melancton B. Jarvis, aged 81 years. 

Dec. 3, Mrs. Rachel Campbell, in her 76th year. 
1857— Jan. 16, Dr. J. L. Fox, in his 47th year, 
1858— Feb. 13, Cutler Field, aged 49 years. 

- Sept. 27, Theodore Keese, in his 58th year. 
1859 — ^March 29, Mrs. Fanny Waterman, wife of Simeon Waterman, 
aged 86 years. 

Nov. 25, Miss Sabrina Wood, in her 66th year. 
I860— Jan. 28, Alfred Carr, aged 56 years. 

Nov. 1, Isaac Tucker, in his 55th year. 
1861 — Feb. 18, John Brewer, in his 64th year. 

Feb. 21, Silas Root, in his 84th year. 

June 25, Thomas Mcintosh, aged 70 years. 

June 26, Col. John H. Prentiss, in his 78th year. 
" Dec. 24, George Pomeroy, in his 83d year. 



174 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

1862 — -Jan. 25, Luther Blodgett, in his 79th year. 

April 7, Miss Elizabeth Miller, in her 70th year. 

May 18, Ann Pomeroy, wife of Judge Crippen, in her 51st 
year. 

July 22, Horace Lathrop, in his 76th year. 

Sept. 24, Mrs. Lucy Sumner Crafts, aged 96 years. 

Nov. 25, Tommy Bronk, (colored,) aged about 95 years. 

Dec. 14, Peter Brockham, aged 45 years. 
"^Dec. 16, Richard Cooper, aged 54 years. 
1863— Jan. 13, Jerjme B. Wood, agjd 42 years. 

Jan. 26, Elihu Phinney, in his 78th year. 

March 23, Alvau Potter, aged 71 years. 

Sept. 28, Holder Cory, in his 63d year. 

Oct. 30, Edward B. Crandall, in his 74th year. 
1864 — April 2, Harvey Marvin, aged 43 years. 

Apw'l 29, James Cockett, aged 43 years. 

Sept 19, Simeon Waterman, agad 89 years. 

Sept. 19, Samuel M. Ingalls, in his 85th year. 
1865— June 12, Loomis Brown, in his 50th year. 

Nov 24, Mrs. Georgiann Keese, in her 59th year. 
1866— Jan. 3. Wm. G. S. Hall, in his 43d year. 

March 6, Seth Doubleday, in his 72d year. 

March 31, David Ball, aged 61 years. 

May 11, Mrs. Marcia McNamee, aged 81 years. 

May 26, George L. Bowne, in his 49th year. 

Sept. 22, William Wilson, aged 77 years. 

Nov. 7, Mrs. Annis Burke, aged 90 years. 

Dec. 7, Lyman J. Walworth, in his 65th year. 
1867— March 13, Levi C. Turner, aged 61 years. 

March 27, Rev. George Kerr, aged 55 years. 

April 21, Stephen Gregory, aged 77 years. 

June 3, Chauncey N. Chapman, aged 69 years. 

Sept. 16, Mrs. Zilpha Babcock, aged 90 years. 

Nov. 6. Wm. K. Bingham, aged 49 years. 

Nov. 15, Ariel Thayer, aged 82 years. 
1868— Feb. 20, Hiram S. Babcock, aged 57 years. 

March 8, Mrs .Mary Schrom, in her 80th year. 

Sept. 3, Wm. Nichols, in his 82dyear. 

Sept. 7, Alfred Robinson, in his 53d year. 
1869— Jan. 20, Henry P. Metcalf, aged 62 years. 

Feb. 3, Mary Ann Boden, aged 72 years. 

March 10, Abel S. Babcock, aged 62 years. 

May 2, Marius B. Angell, aged 38 years. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 175 

June 20, David H. Beggs, aged 58 yeare. 

Sept. 23, Hiram Kinne, aged 71 years. 

Sept. 25, James Cox, aged 92 years. 
1870 — Feb. 5, Abijah Barnum, aged 76 years. 

March 24, Levi Wood, aged 81 years. 
>. April 7, Mrs Ann Pomeroy, in her 87th year. 

June 16, Mi-s. Eliza C. Morehouse, in her 72d year. 

June 24, Mrs. Mary Ann Doubleday, aged 63 years. 

Dec. 2, Charles Thurston, in his 91st year. 

Dec. 14, Rev. Charles S. Stewart, aged 75 years. 
1871 — Jan. 1 1, Mrs. Margaret Thurston, aged 84 years. 

March 23, Harvey Holb'ster, aged 66 years. 

April 4. Joshua H. Story, in his 53d year. 

Oct. 7, Thomas Clarke, in his 63d year. 
'■ Nov. 23, Wm. A. Comstock, aged 62 years. 

Dec. 5, Mrs. Margaret Mcintosh, aged 75 years. 
1872 — Feb. 6, Mrs. Margaretta M. S. Bowers, in her 94th year. 

Feb. 6, Mrs. Deborah Carr, in her 61st year. 

March 1, Schuyler Crippen. aged 77 years. 

Aug. 1, Daniel Lamb, aged 87 years. 

Sept. 5, Patrick Hewes, aged 67 years. 
1873 — Jan. 11, Rev. John Wallace, aged 70 years. 

April 2, Mrs. Lucy C. Saxton, aged 82 years. 

Aug. 17, William H. Averell, aged 79 years. 
V Oct. 16, Mrs Mary Ann Cooper, in her 90th year. 

Oct. 21, Edward Edwards, aged 56 years. 

Dec. 13, Samuel Nelson, aged 81 years. 

Dec. 19, Henry Scott, aged 82 years. 
1874 — Jan. 6, Fanma Fuller, in her 80th year. 

Jan. 22, Ellery Cory, in his 81st year. 

Feb. 9, Wm. H. Ruggles, in his 54th year. 

March 26, Seth T. Winslow, aged 63 years. 

April 22, Sally Doubleday, in her 82d year. 

June 27, Caroline Jordan Clark, in her 59th year. 
1875 — Jan. 5, Daniel Peck, in his 74th year. 

Feb. 18, Mrs. Esther S. Lewis, in her 82d year. 

Feb. 23, Mrs. Catherine H. Nichols, aged 86 years. 

March 18, Henry Gould, aged 69 years. 

April 9, Mrs. Catherine A. Nelson, aged 70 yeare. 

April 17, Alfred Brock way, aged 92 years. 

May 1 6, Simon Van Sice, in his 82d year. 

Aug. 12, Robert Davis, in his 69th year. 

Sept. 2, Dr. Thomas Smith, aged 70 years. 



176 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

Sept. 27, Jedediah P. Sill, in his 68th year. 

Oct. 28, Henry F. Phinney, in his 59th year. 

Dec. 24, Mrs Elizabeth Rogers, aged 81 years. 
1876 Jan. 22, Mrs. Mary Morris Foote, in her 70th year. 

Feb. 9, Mrs. Electa Pierce, in her 86th year. 

April 12, Kent Jarvis, in his 3iith year. 

Aug. 26, Mrs. Mariette Doubleday, in her 77th year. 

Oct. 6. Mrs. Nancy Lathrop, aged 69 years. 
1877 — -March 8, Edwin S. Ooffin, aged (}>^ years. 

April 21, Ransom Spafard in his 76th year. 

June 12, George Jarvis, aged 67 years. 

Sept. 14, Mrs. Marilla Peck, aged 82 years. 

Nov. 29, George Story, aged 74 years. 
1878— Jan. 15, John R. Worthington, aged 73 years. 

Feb. 25, Horace C. Fish, aged 68 years. 

March 2, Mrs. Betsey Wood, in her 83d year. 

Oct. 7, Mrs. Mary Stowell, aged 86 years. 

Oct 8, Fayette Hinds, aged 54 years. 

Oct. 13, George A Starkweather, in his 85th year. 
1879— March 3, Adin Adams, in his 84th year. 

March 18, Major Wm. Lewis, aged 88 years. 

Nov. 12, Mrs Wm. Wilson, in her 86th year. 
1880 — Sept. In, Hannah Brockway, aged 90 years. 

Oct. 17, Fanny Graves, in her 85th year. 

Dec. 1 1, Rensselaer Waterman, aged 75 years. 
1881— March 24, Miss Martha S. Bowers, aged 75 years. 

Sept. 3, ('aleb J. Paul, aged 71 years. 
1882— Feb. 7, Mrs. W. 0. Keyes, in her 73d year. 

March 15, Mrs. G. W. Ernst, in her, 68th year. 

March 17, Augustus Short, aged 73 years. 

May 27, Zadock Fitch, in his 86th year. 

June 3, Calvin Graves, aged 87 years. 

June 17, Philip H. Potter, aged 66 years. 

Oct. 14, Edward Clark, in his 71st year. 
1883 — April 16, Mrs. Richard Cooley, in her 78th year. 

June 17, Urelius Birge, aged 73 years. 

Sept. 18, Sara'l McK. Thompson, aged ^^) years. 

Dec. 25, Winchester Childs, aged 83 years. 
1884 — Jan 2, Albert Gorringe, in his 40th year. 

Jan. 4, Seth Hurd, aged 83 yeara. 

Jan. 17, Webster ('. Keyes, aged 77 years. 

Jan. 28, Samuel A. Bowen, aged 49 years. 

April 29, Frederick A. l^ee, in his 74th year. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWJS/. 177 

March 23, Samuel Crafts, aged 83 years. 
June 22, Mrs. Phileiia Butts, aged 98 years. 
Sept 7, P^lizabeth McEwan, aged 85 years. 
Nov. 17, Rev. Gaius S. Blodgett, in his 72d year. 
Dec 4, Hezekiah Sturges, aged 65 years. 
1885 — Feb. 27, Mrs. Romeo Bo wen, aged 87 years. 

'March 22, Miss Ann Charlotte Fenimore-Cooper, in her 68th 
year. 
May 21, Mrs. Nancy (Irace, aged 98 years and 7 months. 
Sept. 26, Mrs. Henry Scott, aged 76 years. 

It will be seen that 58 of the above-mentioned residents reached 80 
years or upwards, 1 2 of whom lived 85 to 89 years, five were 90, two 
were 92, two were 94, one was 95, one 96, one 98, one 98 years and 7 
months, when they died. The average age of the 13 oldest was a little 
over 93 years, 

METEOROLOGY. 

Highest, Lowest and Mean Temperature at Cooper stown, from 1850 to 
1885, inclusive,' also Annual Rain-fall fi^m 1854 to 1885 : 

1850.— Highest, June 19th, 88°, Lowest, December 31st, -7°. 
Mean, 45°. 

1851.— Highest, June 29th, 88°. Lowest, December 27th, -20° 
Mean, 44°. 

1852. — Highest, July 9th, 92°. Lowest, February 21st, -7°. 
Mean, 43 J° 

1853.— Highest, August 14th, 90°. Lowest, January 16th, 0°. 
Mean, 44 J° 

1854.— Highest, September 6th, 93°. Lowest, January 29th -8°. 
Mean, 45°, Rain-fall, 37 90-100 inches. 

1855.— Highest, July 19th, 89°. Lowest, February 7th, -30°. 
Mean, 43 ^ Rain-falL 48 12-100 inches. 

1856. — Highest, June 29th, 94°. Lowest, March 10th, -20°. 
Mean, 41°. Rain-fall, 34 57-100 inches. 

1857.— Highest, July 19th. 90°. Ix)west, January 24th, -30°. 
Mean, 42 J°. Rain-fall, 52 inches, 

1858.— Highest, June 25th, 95°. lowest, February 19th, -17°. 
Mean, 43°. Rain-fall, 45 52-100 inches. 

1859.— Highest. July I9th, 93°. LoAvest, January 10th, -20°. 
M ean , 43 ^ °. Rain-fall , 41 36-1 00. 

12 



178 HISTORY OP COOPERSTOWK 

I860.— Highest, August 7th, 90°. Lowest, December IStli, -12", 
Mean, 43°. Eain-fall, 33 73-100 inches. 

1861.— Highest, August 4th, 88°. Lowest, February 8th, -27°. 
Mean, 42^°. Rain-fall, 40 68-100 inches. 

1862.— Highest, July 6th, 89°. Lowest, February 17th, -12°, 
Mean, 41|°. Rain-fall, 37 97-100 inches. 

1863. — Highest, July 3cl, 91°. Lowest, February 4th, -22°, 
Mean, 411°. Rain-fall, 47 29-100 inches. 

1864.— Highest, July 20th, 92°. Lowest, February 18th, -18°, 
Mean, 42i°. Rain-fall, 29 92-100 inches. 

1865.— Highest, September 4th, 90°. Lowest, February 13th, -18°, 
Mean, 42f°. Rain-fall, 35 44-100 inches. 

1866.— Highest, July 17th, 94°. Lowest, December 21st, -28°, 
Mean, 43i°. Rain-fall, 32 33-100 inches. 

1867 —Highest, July 24th, 90°. Lowest, December 14th, -22°, 
Mean, 44°. Rain-fall, 36 38-100 inches. 

1868.— Highest, July 4th, 96°. Lowest, February 23d, -24°, 
Mean, 43^°. Rain-fall, 37 43-100 inches. 

1869.— Highest, August 20th, 91°. Lowest, March 22d, -14°, 
Mean, 44f°. Rain-fall, 45 94-100 inches. 

1870.~Highest, July 24th, 95°. Lowest, March 14th, -9°. Mean, 
47°. Rain-fall, 33 2-100 inches. 

1871 —Highest, May 30th, 90°. Lowest, December 21st, -23°, 
Mean, 45°. Rain-fall, 36 37-100 inches. 

1872.— Highest, July 3d, 93°, Lowest, March 15th, -23°. Mean, 
431°. Rain-fall, 36 92-100 inches. 

1873.— Highest, July 3d, 90°. Lowest, January 30th, -27°. Mean, 
43|°. Rain-fall, 42 29-100 inches. 

1874.— Highest, July 15th, 90°. Lowest, December 31st, -17°, 
Mean, 44^°. Rain-fall, 36 55-100 inches. 

1875.— Highest, June 24th, 90°. Lowest, February 13th, -26°, 
Mean, 42°. Rain-fall, 37 33-100 inches. 

1876.— Highest, August 6th, 93°. Lowest, December 17th, -1.5°, 
Mean, 45^°. Rain-fall, 33 17-100 inches. 

1877.— Highest, July 17th, 92°. Lowest, March 1 8th, -7°. Mean. 
48°. Rain-fall, 34 37-100 inches. 

1878.— Highest, July 17th, 87°. Lowest, February 19th, -16*', 
Mean 46^°, Rainfall, 39 13-100 ixiches. 



HISTORY OF C00PERST0W:N. 179 

1879.— Highest, September 1st, 89°, Lowest, February 23d, -7°. 
Mean, AA\°. Rain-fall, 29 83-100 inches. 

1880.— Highest, May 26th, 87°. Lowest, December 30th, -13°. 
Mean, 44f°. Rain-fall, 34 29-100 inches. 

1881.— Highest. September 6th. 92°. Lowest, February 2d, -20°. 
Mean , 45°. Rain-fall , 34 6-1 00 inches, 

1882.— Highest, August 6th, 92°. Lowest, January 24th, -27°. 
Mean, 44^°. Rain-fall, 30 19-100 inches. 

1 883.— Highest, June 6th, 86°. Lowest, December 23d, -15°. 
Mean, 43i°. Rain-fall, 36 5-100 inches. 

1 884.--Highest, September 7th, 87°. Lowest, December 20th -22°. 
Mean, 45°. Rain-fall, 35 7-100 inches. 

1 885.— Highest, July 1 7th, 85°. Lowest, March 18th, -14°. Mean, 
42°. Rain-fall, 40 36-100 inches. 

SUMMARY. 

Record of thirty-six years : 

Highest Temperature, July 4th, 1868, 96°. 

Lowest Temperature, February 7th, 1855, and January 24th, 1857, 
-3<i°. 

Highest Temperature occurs in May two years, in June six years, 
in July seventeen years, in August six years, and in September five 
years. 

Lowest Temperature in December eleven years, in January six 
years, in February thirteen years, in March six years. 
Mean Temperature, 44°, 
Average Rain-fall, 37 96-100 inches. 

As evidence of equable mean temperature, the above table shows 
that twenty-five out of the thirty-six years recorded varied but 1 de- 
gree, and grouping into periods of five years the remarkable result is 
shown of a like variation of 1 degree or less from the mean of 44 
degrees, viz ; 

First five years, - . , 44^ degrees. 

Second five years, - - - 43 degrees. 

Third five years, - - - 43 degrees. 

Fourth five years, . . - 44^ degrees. 

Fifth five years, - - - 43^ degrees. 

Sixth five years, - - - 45 degrees. 

Seventh five years, - - - 45 degrees. 



180 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWm 



Dates ofilielce leaving Otsego Lake, from 1843 to 1885, inchisive- 

43 years. 

1843, - - April 26 

1844, - - - April 13 

1845, - - April 1 

1846, - - - April 7 

1847, - - April 25 

1848, - - - April 10 

1849, ' - April 7 

1850, - - - April 24 

1851, - - March 30 

1852, - - - April 26 

1853, - - April 9 

1854, - - - April 20 

1855, - - April 24 

1856, - - - April 26 
L857, - - April 6 

1858, - - - April 5 

1859, - - March 30 

1860, - - - April 7 

1861, - - April 14 

1862, - - - April 22 

1863, - - April 23 

1864, - - - April 21 
The prevailing wind at the time of the breaking up of the ice, has 

much to do with the date of the final clearance of the lake. If from 
the north, the ice will frequently lie floating for a week before disap- 
pearing, while a fresh southerly breeze will dispose of the whole in a 
few hours. This is in a great measure due to the shape of the lake, 
broad at the upper end and narrow and funnel-shaped toward the 
south, G. p. K. 

THE THANKSGIVING HOSPITAL. 

A brief mention of the main facts connected with its establish- 
ment, and history to date : 

After the close of the civil war, some Christian people in Coopers- 
town suggested providing a small Hospital for the needy sick, as a 
Thank-offering for the restoration of Peace and the preservation of 
the Union. The suggestion met with general favor. The physicians 
entered with interest into the plan, offering their services. The first 
steps were taken. Subscriptions were procured. A Fair was held 
by which about $K(iOO were raised. In 1867 a hoase on Elm street 



1865, 


April 5 


1866, 


- April 14 


1867, 


April 15 


1868, 


- April 16 


1869, 


April 21 


1870, 


- April 16 


1871, 


March 17 


1872, 


- April 27 


1873, 


May 4 


1874, 


- May 5 


1875, 


May 7 


1876, 


- April 26 


1877, 


April 27 


1878, 


- April 1 


1879, 


- . - April 30 


1880, 


- April 7 


1881, 


April 25 


1882, 


- April 6 


1883, 


April 26 


1884, 


- April 22 


1885, 


April 26 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 181 

was purchased, and remodeled according to a plan of Dr. Horace 
Lathrop. The house was double, with a basement, and two stories 
and a half high ; the lot was 75 feet front by 158 in depth. The 
price was .^3,500, 

On Thanksgiving Day, 1867, the house was solemnly dedicated to 
the service of God, and the relief of ihe poor and suffering, by a 
religious service, in which Rev. Mr. Buel, Rev. Mr. McHarg, Rev. Mr. 
Peasley, and Rev. Mr. Clayton, took part Owing to the unusual 
severity of the winter, and the scarcity of workmen, it was found 
impossible to open the building for patients until the following spring. 

In January, 1868, the Hospital was incorporated. Five "^lYustees 
were elected to serve five years, viz. : Dr. H. Lathrop, Rev. Mr. Mc- 
Harg, Mr. Elihu Phinney, Mr. F. G. I^e, and Miss S. F, Cooper. 
Mr. Henry Scott was elected Treasurer. All pereons who contributed 
$10 the previous year, were entitled to vote. The work of the Hos- 
pital was carried on by five Lady Managers, with a house keeper, a 
nurse, an assistant, and a man under their direction. The number of 
beds was sixteen. Diseases of the gravest nature were treated, and 
severe operations were performed. Among the diseases cured were 
paraplegia, from poison, peritonitis, chronic diarrhoea, varicose ulcer, 
fractures, matritis, ulceration of the stomach. Among the many 
operations successfully performed by Dr. Lathrop, Dr. W. T. and Dr. 
M. A. Bassett, were the removal of cancerous tumors, polypus of the 
throat, and vesico vaginal fistula, on a patient of 75, by Dr. Lathrop. 
Patients were received from all the towns in Otsego county, and also 
from several adjacent counties. About two-thirds of the patients 
recovered. Among those who died were homeless ones, admitted as 
incurables. The moral and religious influence of the house was greatly 
blessed [o many of the patients. 

The funds for carrying on the work were provided by annual sub- 
scriptions, amounting to .1]?(iO(), partial payments by patients who could 
afford to make them, annual collections in different churches, voluntary 
contributions, and annual payments by the Comptroller of the State, 
in proportion to the nuuiber of days' relief granted to the sick, varying 
in this case from %'M)\) to iB()()0 At thatdate all incorporated Hos- 
pitals received aid from the State fund. Among the most generous 
contributors to the Thanksgiving Hospital were Mr. Henry Frederick 
Phinney, Mr. Elihu I^hinney, Mr. Edward Clark, who at one time 
gave .^1, <)()() ; others, of less means, were also very liberal contributors. 
Kind sympathy and material assistance were also received from the 
different towns and villages in the county : Rich Held, Cherry Valley, 
Milford, Springfield, Fly Creek, and others. 

The work was carried on successfully until 1875, when the financial 



182 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 

panic caused a loss of many subscriptions and voluntary contributions ; 
and about the same time the policy of the State changed, and Hos- 
pitals no longer received aid in that way. Eventually it became nec- 
essary to close the Hospital, temporarily, for want of funds to meet 
current expenses The Trustees also passed a resolution by which any 
needy sick person may receive aid from the interest on the Hospital 
Fund, by vote of two Trustees, provided not more than .^200 is 
expended in this way during any one year, and confining the benefit 
of this sura to the sick, exclusively. Many persons have been relieved 
from this Fund since the Hospital closed. 

The Hospital Fund, with the accumulated interest, now amounts to 
^5,328.16. It is the earnest hope of those most interested in the 
original Thanksgiving Hospital, that the work may be renewed at a 
favorable time, in the form of a ('ottage Hospital, bearing the same 
name, under the charge of a trained nurse, whose duty it shall also be 
to train a succession of respectable women for nursing, one or two at 
a time. Qualified nurses are greatly needed in Otsego county 

January, 1886. s. f. c. 

ORPHAN HOUr^E OP THE HOLY SAVIOUR. 

The Orphan House of the Holy Saviour, a Home and Industrial 
School for Orphans, Half-Orphans, and destitute children, was incor- 
porated by Act of the Legislature, March, 1870. At the annual 
Convention of the Diocese of Albany, September, 1870, the Orphan- 
age was adopted as a Diocesan work, and "earnestly commended to 
the sympathy, and active support of the Diocese," and the erection of 
a suitable building was recommended. 

The first ground purchased, was the house and farm on the lake 
shore known as the Masters' farm, then belonging to Mr. Henry B. 
Walker. But the distance from the village, two miles, being consid- 
ered too great, another site, a hill side on Railroad St., was purchased 
by the Trustees, twenty acres of land, at a cost of $5,000. In April, 
1871, a small cottage, adjoining the ground purchased, was rented 
for a temporary home, and October 1st the work was solemnly inau- 
gurated by a religious service, held at the cottage by Bishop Tuttle of 
Utah, and the Rev. D. Hillhouse Buel. The Matron and one little 
girl were the only members of the family at that date ; but the cot- 
tage filled rapidly, and the following year, November 1st, the twelve 
children were removed to a double cottage on Beaver St., owned by 
Horace C. Fish. Mrs. E. M. Stanton became Matron at that date, 
and continued to labor most faithfully for the children until her 
death, August, 1884. November 1st, 1874, the family of twenty 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 183 

diiklren were removed to a larger house on Lake street, recently oc- 
oupied by Mr. E. Countryman, and at that time owned by Mr. Elihu 
Phinney, of whom it was leased. This house could accommodate 40 
children. Sunday, November 8th, a religious service inaugurating 
the advance in the work was held by Bishop Tuttle of Utah, at the 
new home. 

November 7th Mr. Charles McLean, then Chairman of the Board 
of Supervisors, called on the Superintendent of the Orphanage, and 
expressed the wish of the Board to visit the Institution. November 
18th the entire Board came to the house, inspecting the building and 
the children, and inquiring into the details of the work ; they pro- 
fessed themselves much gratified. They requested that the Board 
might be invited to the house every year. This request has been 
carried out. As early as 1872 individual Supervisors had suggested 
that the county children should be sent to the Orphanage. During 
the session of 1876, after consulting the Trustees of the Orphanage, 
the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution that as many of the 
County children as could be admitted should be sent to the Orphan- 
age. In accordance with this resolution, as many of the children as 
could be accommodated were received at the Orphanage ; the remain- 
der were sent to a temporary home at Milford. 

In 1876 a generous contribution of ^1,000 was given to the Or- 
phanage by Mr. Edward Clark and a few friends of his connected 
with the Singer Company. In 1879 a renewed application was made 
by the Superintendent of the Poor for the admission of all the County 
children to the Orphanage. Mr. Edward Clark, who then owned the 
house, having kindly consented to enlarge the building for this pur- 
pose, it was decided to receive the children. January, 1880, all the 
girls were sent to the Orphanage, but by a change of plan on the part 
of the Superintendent of the Poor the boys were sent to the county 
home at Milford. 

The necessity for a larger and more convenient building having 
become very clear, the Boaru of Trustees at their annual meeting, 
June, 1881, passed resolutions authorizing the collection of funds for 
building, and the purchase of a favorable site. About $1 0,0;:0 having 
been collected, or pledged, eight acres of land bounded by Beaver 
street, Susquehanna avenue and the river, were purchased for .$3,00 '. 
An excellent plan for a brick building was prepared by Mr. R. W. 
Gibson of Albany, the architect. In August. 18-2, ground was bro- 
ken for the new building a simple service being hekl o\\ the spot by 
the Orphanage family, on the occasion. October nth, 1 882, the cor- 
ner-stone was solemnly laid l)y Bishop Doane, in the presence of the 
1'rustees and many friends, the Orphans taking part in the service. 



184 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 

September 22d, 1883, the house being completed, a service of Dedica- 
tion was held in the school-room by the Bishop, a number of clergy- 
men and other friends being present, and the Orphans taking part in 
the services by singing and recitations. A few weeks later the entire 
family moved into the new home. On this occasion a debt of .$600, 
due for rent on the house in Lake street, was kindly canceled by Mr. 
Alfred Corning (Jlark January 1st, 1884. all the county boys were 
received at the Orphanage. 

August 14th, 1884, Mrs. Stanton, after an illness of several months, 
was taken from the children she had so kindly cared for. On the 
evening of her funeral diphtheria appeared in the family. There 
were twenty-two cases and two deaths. The disease was caused by 
defective drainage. The children were cared for with the utmost de- 
votion by the three grown persons in charge ; and v/atched over most 
faithfully by their kind physician, Dr. W. T. Bassett. No nurse 
could be procured in the neighborhood, and no one from the village 
was willing to come to the house to work. At the end of several 
weeks, a trained nurse from Bellevue Hospital came to take charge 
of the sick children. Great pains were taken to prevent the disease 
from spreading to the village, and happily there was no case outside 
the Orphanage family. 

September 14th, while there were still two patients in the infirm- 
ary, fire broke out in the furnace cellar, and spread rapidly. The fire 
department were soon on the ground, and the neighbors rallied most 
kindly to the relief of the family. In an hour the flames were sub- 
dued. The cellars and several rooms on the first floor were seriously 
injured. The whole building was in very great danger. It was with 
thankful hearts that those in charge were able to gather the Orphans 
in their own dormitories at night, without injury to life or limb. 
The repairs of the house, costing $600, and a change in the drainage, 
were completed in a few weeks. Since that date the children have 
been remarkably healthy, and the work has gone on successfully with 
Miss E. E. Stickney as Matron. 

The number of children at present is 81 ; during the last year there 
have been 107 in the family. Receipts of the year from churches, 
individuals and board of children, !i?6, 685.34. Disbursements for 
provisions, fuel, lights, clothing, shoes, salaries and wages !$6,862.63. 
Deflcit, including unpaid bills, $500. Endowment fund, $50. Cost 
of lot and building $20,000, of which $16,000 have been paid and 
$4,000 remain unpaid on mortgage. 

January, 1886. s. f. c. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 185 

FISH AND FISHlNiJ IN OTSKdO L\KE. 

In the olden time, say from 1800 to 1825, Otsego bass, salmon trout, 
pickerel and perch, were taken in great numbers both with seine and 
hand-line. My father told me that he had repeatedly seen "Old Ship- 
man"' land at evening, having the bottom of his canoe literally covered 
with salmon irout, weighing from two to ten pounds each. Later on, 
the writer himself saw John DeLong and his associates take out with 
one draught of the seine, at the "Dugway,'' at least five thousand Otse- 
go bass, all of one size — about half a pound each, and the entire haul 
was returned untouched to the Lake, the seine being turned wrong- 
side out. Not even a short Jialf-dozen was allowed to be reserved for 
the frying-pan. Wliat a commentary this upon the ruling of to-day, 
when even the fingerlings, stealthily and illegally captured at that, are 
not allowed to escape 

The largest single trout ever taken with hook and line, is believed 
to have weighed about twenty-two pounds, and the largest Otsego bass 
about six and three-quarters pounds. 

Thirty-five years ago, a string of pickerel was taken through the 
ice, at the "Delong ground,' by l)elos Persons, who is still living in 
the village, the largest eight of which averaged over three pounds 
each. Pickerel of that size are now extremely rare, these fish having 
unaccountably decreased in average weight from one and a half 
pounds to about half a pound each. 

The bull-head and the yellow perch, both highly esteemed for the 
table, have become exceedingly scarce, but latterly small perch are 
seen in immense numbers, giving good token of an abundant supply in 
the near future. 

From 1820 to the time of his death, which occurred about 1839, 
"old Commodore" Boden was by general consent acknowledged to be 
the most successful angler on the Lake, and his method was so pecu- 
liar as to be worthy of note. Of quite imposing presence, handsome 
alike in lorm and feature, straight as an arrow, and lithe as an Indian, 
his silver locks hanging gracefully down upon his shoulders, the writer, 
when a mere lad, has many a time, for hours together, observed 
him carefully whilst pursuing his favorite pastime. Standing erect, 
he would paddle out from the mouth of the river to some tempting 
patch of weeds, and there, in quite shallow water, noiselessly drop his; 
anchor. Then, wielding a rod nearly twenty feet in 1 ngth, he would 
"skip" his tempting bait — generally the side of a small perch — with 
amazing vigor and marvelous dexterity, oftentimes taking fifteen or 
twenty fine pickerel in less than an hour. To see him strike, manipu- 



186 HISTORY OF C00PER8T0WN. 

late and land a big fellow of three or four pounds, his pliant rod bend- 
ing nearly to a semi-circle, was something not to be forgotten. The 
"old Commodore" was at that time, beyond all dispute, the most con- 
spicuous figure about the Lake, as much part and parcel of it as "old 
Shipman," the original Natty Bumppo, was of the romantic hills 
adjacent, and when at length his little weather-beaten skiff was drawn 
up for the last time on the beach, the villagers all felt, and felt sadly, 
that one of its pleasantest and most familiar "water-marks" had dis- 
appeared from view. 

His line-a\ successor, the late venerable Augustus Short, had a 
remarkable career. It is fairly estimated that for the last thirty years 
of his life he took by trolling alone, an average of at least twenty 
pickerel per day, making a total of one hundred and ninety-eight 
thousand (198,"()0) fish, which, allowing the average weight to be 
only one pound, would have been worth about twenty thousand 
dollars. It is also reasonably conjectured that there now lies imbedded 
in the jaws of innumerable living pickerel, that somehow or other 
managed to escape his lines by "breaking loose," after being fairly 
"caught," a sufficient quantity of good reliable fish-hooks, "spoon 
victuals," and other fixtures, to stock a moderate sized country "tackle" 
store ! 

In conclusion, a word or two as to seines and gill-nets : In 1851, 
there were taken from the Lake, with four different seines, twenty- 
five thousand bass, which at an average of two pounds each, would 
produce twenty-five tons of fish, worth, at only ten cents per pound, 
^5,00' >. In corroboration of the above, the late Calvin Graves in- 
formed a friend of the writer that at about that time, say 1850, his 
individual share of a single spring's seine fishing, when bass was selling 
at only eight cents a pound, was over $1,500. 

From 1860 to about 1870 the annual catch of bass and trout in gill- 
nets, was nearly or quite one thousand to each net or set of nets. 
Naturally enough, after 187(1, the bass became gradually so scarce as 
to make legal restriction absolutely necessary to prevent their extinc- 
tion. This restriction, with one or two intermissions, during which 
the privilege of seine fishing in the spring was so grossly abused that 
it was promptly withdrawn, has continued up to the present time, or 
until November, 1884, when our local Board of Supervisors passed an 
ordinance excluding nets of every sort from the Lake for three years 
from that time, and permitting only hand-line fishing all the year 
round, with some restrictive clauses as to black bass, &c. It is to be 
regretted that this law is not more strictly enforced. 

— In the publication called "Forest and Stream" of February 26, 
1885, I published an article, written with considerable care, from 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 187 

which I take the following extracts, which may be thought of interest 
on this subject : 

Otsego Lake is nine miles long by about one in width, running 
nearly north and south. The water averaging about fifty feet, attains 
in some places a depth of two hundred, and is chiefly supplied from 
cold bottom springs. Its only constant tributaries are two small 
streams, whose entire volume is not half that of its outlet, the vSus- 
quehanna River. The upper and lower portions of the Lake, being 
sUallovv and weedy, afford ample pickerel grounds, while the middle 
portion and whole eastern shore are admirably adapted, by deep water 
and a soft marl bottom, to the coregoni and salmon trout, and nearer 
shore, by rocky bottom and sharp ledges, to the rock bass, black bass 
and yellow perch. After further stating that the food supply is 
abundant, especially of the "I^ake shiner," an exquisitely beautiful 
creature and most dainty morsel, about four inches long, not found 
elsewhere, it will be readily seen that in no other water of the State 
could the conditions be more favorable for the artificial propagation 
of fish. 

Without irrevolent particulars we append a record of the actual 
plantings made in Otsego Lake, during a period of about twelve 
years : 

1872 — OXs^gohdi^ [Cor egonus alh us) - - - 74,01)0 

1872— Salmon trout, ' 8,000 

1 873— Salmon trout, ------ 150,000 

1874— Salmon trout, 65,000 

1874— Otsego bass, 94,000 

1874— Black bass, ------ 95 

1874— Rock bass, - - 1,000 

1875— Salmon trout, . . - . . 100,000 

1875— Black bass, ------ 105 

1876 — Salmon trout, 76,000 

1877— VVhitefish (from Caledonia,) - - - 300,000 

1878 — Landlocked salmon, - . _ . 5,00<i 

1 878— Salmon trout, - - - - - - 1< 0,000 

1879— Salmon trout, 100,000 

1880— Salmon trout, ------ l(iO,000 

1880— Smelt (from Ilackensack, N. J.,) - - 800 

1882— Salmon trout, - 55,000 

1882— C^alifornia mountain trout, - - - 30,000 

1884— Salmon trout, 100,000 



Total, - - 1,359,000 



188 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Salmon trout, -----_. 854,000 

Otsego bass, ------- 168,000 

Whitefish, - - 300,000 

California mountain trout, - - - - 30,000 

Landlocked salmon, ------ 5,000 

Rock bass, black bass and smelt, - - - 2,00n 

Total, - - - - - - - 1,359,000 

The operations during 1871, '72, '73 and '74 on our own account 
and at our expense, were conducted in a small domestic hatchery, and 
in the most economical manner, by (^apt. P. P. Cooper. The total 
outlay, however, was about i$ 1,500. Subsequently all young fry were 
obtained from the State hatchery at Caledonia, at the mere cost of 
transportation, which w^as about $40 for 100,'iOO fish. This benificent 
policy of the State our people fully appreciate, and it must eventually 
produce grand results. 

On a general review of our work we have to speak first of the sal- 
mon trout. So rapidly did this fish increase, that in 1878 they were 
more numerous than at any time within the preceding 30 years. 
During the spring of 1880, in one forenoon, with a companion, at a 
single anchorage, in water 55 feet deep, and near the "Sunken Island," 
the writer took forty-four fish weighing 86 pounds. Thirteen others 
were hooked, but escaped, two of them large fish, making 57 strikes in 
less than five hours. A day or two later twenty-nine were taken 
weighing 50 pounds. During the same week- 300 pounds were taken 
in a single day. 

All this was done still-fishing. 

In the following summer, the writer, trolling one morning with a 
Seth Green gang of O'Shaunessy 8s, had twenty-seven strikes, losing 
two gang-s, and taking nine fish weighing twenty-seven pounds. A bout 
the same time, Seth Green, who first introduced the trolling gang into 
our Lake took eighteen or twenty fish in a single afternoon. For the 
last two years, however, these fish have gradually ceased to bite, until 
the catch has become so small as to excite serious apprehension and 
widespread discussion. Among the various theories, some contend 
with great pertinacity that the trout are all dead, destroyed by some 
epidemic, which seems impossible, as all dead fish at some stage of 
decomposition, either before or after sinking, having become surcharged 
with noxious gases, bloat and float. Now if floating they would surely 
be seen in large numbers, and if sunken they would either be dragged 
up by seines or washed ashore. Neither condition having occurred, 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 189 

this theory must certainly be discarded. Others maintain that the 
scarcity is wholly due to the illegal use of that most deadly and 
abominable of all devices, the gill-net. Others still insist that the 
trout are as numerous as ever, but are either gorged with superabund- 
ant food, or else, like some handsome flirts who keep their adorers 
dangling by the gills for months before pronouncing the fatal "yes," 
have simply taken a capricious whim not to bite nntil they get ready. 

On a careful review of the whole case we come to share the opinion 
expressed by Judge Potter, of Toledo, and now concurred in by 
Seth Green, -'that all the salmon trout originally planted in Otsego 
Lake, excepting only such as have either been taken out by fishermen 
or devoured by other fish, are there now." It is but just to Mr. Green 
to add, that his late theory of an "epidemic" was advocated by him 
simply in consequence of our own statement and belief that there was 
little if any gill-netting going on in Otsego Lake. Subsequent events, 
already adverted to, have, however, forced us both to another and very 
different conclusion. The prediction is therefore made with confi- 
dence that if netting of all kinds can be strictly prohibited, the troll- 
ing and still fishing for salmon trout will ere long be as satisfactory 
here as it ever was, and as it is now on Lake George, where, only a 
few years ago, the fishing was if possible worse than in our own. 

Of rock bass (the original plant being 1,000) the Lake is full. It is 
regarded as an excellent panfish, and being both a bold biter and a 
hard puller, affords good sport to the angler of moderate desires. 

The result of the smelt experiment remains still undetermined, but 
as the fish, chiefly gravid females, were delivered here in an exhausted 
state, and from actual necessity deposited at the foot of the Lake, 
where it was impossible for them to deposit thei(> spawn in the natural 
way, very slight hope is entertained of its success. These fish, too, it 
will be remembered, were transferred from salt to fresh water, which 
possibly may throw some light upon the matter. All expenses were 
defrayed by Edward Clark, Esq., of Cooperstown, lately deceased. 

The landlocked salmon deposited in June, 1878, were procured with 
much difficulty by the joint courtesy of Prof. Spencer F. Baird and 
Fred. Mather, Esq., both of the United States Fish Commission. 
From this plant, most unfortunately, nothing has ever been heard, 
save in one or two untrustworthy instances, and the experiment nmst 
therefore be regarded, like many similar ones in our own State, as a 
complete failure, the causes of which remain unexplained. From the 
black bass plant of two hundred in all, an immense product has been 
realized, hundreds of this noble fish having been seen at a time dis- 
porting themselves about the Sunken Island. Despite, however, the 
most enticing lures, and the most persevering effort, very few have 



190 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 

been captured. The finest and largest are thus far taken in deep 
water with the shiner gang, when trolling for salmon trout. 

Of the 30,000 California mountain trout (deposited in June 1881) 
20,000 were placed by Seth Green and the writer at the head of the 
Lake, near the steamboat landing, and the balance in a cold stream 
running through Mud Lake and discharging into Otsego Lake. Al- 
though nearly three years have now elapsed, not one of these fish has 
been taken or seen, and the question whether they will appear at all 
is growing to be serious. If not, it will prove a bitter disappointment, 
as the experiment was made under the most favorable auspices, its 
entire cost being defrayed by James B. Jermain, Esq., of Albany. 

Lastly, we take up the Lavaret or Otsego bass, falsely so-called, 
beyond all peradventure the very finest fresh-water fish that swims. 
Ranked by many as only a highly honored member of the great Core- 
gonus family, with which by recent intermarriage, Seth Green himself 
presiding at the nuptials, it has now become so irretrievably amalga- 
mated as to prevent any possibility of future scientific distinction, 
this truly noble fish is, we firmly believe, what that sagacious scientist, 
Governor De Witt Clinton, long years ago pronounced it to be — a 
"nondescript, and not the whitefish of the upper lakes." At a still 
later day Prof. Louis Agassiz, certainly the very highest authority of 
his time, after careful analysis, pronounced it to be "in its organic 
structure, a distinct fish, not found in any other waters of the world." 
But, apart from these high sanctions, which might well be conclusive, 
the Coregonus alhus and the Otsego bass present even to the most 
superficial observer striking points of difference. 

As the Otsego bass has rarely been taken except with the seine or 
gill-net, and as all nesting of every description has been lately pro- 
hibited for three years by our Board of Supervisors, it became a ques- 
tion of grave moment whether this very delicious fish could be taken 
freely with hook and line, and we have, therefore, undertaken to inves- 
tigate it thoroughly. The following opinions of the most intelligent 
and experienced anglers and fish-culturists of the United States, and 
with which this article will conclude, must, we are confident, be read 
with lively interest, especially as they all agree, in direct opposition to 
the popular belief, that the Coregonus albtis can be certainly and freely 
taken with hook and line. 

Seth Green says : "The Otsego bass can be taken with small min- 
nows or red angle worms. I think if your tackle is very fine, and 
you do not twitch when they bite, they will swallow the bait. Put five 
or ten hooks (O'Shaunessy 8s, forged) on fine snell, and loop them five 
feet apart, with small sinker at the end. Bait some with small min- 
nows (one inch or so in length) and some with worms. Cast out as 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 191 

far as you can from the boat, and let it lie half or three-quarters of 
an hour on the bottom, feeling now and then to see if you have one 
on. The best way is to let them hook themselves. The angle worm, 
if used for bait, should be strung on to the hook with both ends left 
dangling. When I had the whitefish bites in your lake, I had a sal- 
mon trout rig on the same line, and when I felt the bite, made the 
the same hard stroke that I would for the salmon trout and tore the 
hook out. A light stroke must be made and the fish handled very 
carefully." 

Charles Carpenter, Kelly's Island, Ohio, says : "Many years ago, 
when whitefish were much more abundant than now in the lake, see- 
ing large schools of them, I tried various baits and succeeded in catch- 
ing a few with cockroaches drawn rapidly through the water. Many 
more were taken by the hook sticking in their gills or sides outside of 
the mouth." 

Hon. Emery D Potter, Toledo, Ohio, late Superintendent of Fish- 
eries in that State, and one of the most successful practical anglers in 
the country, says : "I have seen a great many whitefish taken at Sault 
Ste. Marie of Lake Superior, with a hook baited with a June or soldier 
fly. I saw a man take eleven in one hoar in that way just before sun- 
set. The fishing was done in a deep, still pool, adjoining the rapids, 
the bait resting on the bottom, where the whitefish invariably feeds. 
On opening I have found the stomach crammed full of these flies and 
their larvae." 

Other excellent authorities might be quoted, going to prove the 
theory correct. e. p. 



192 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 



JAMES FENIMOKE-COOPEE, 



A TRIBUTE 



To the talent, worth and memory of the great Ameincan Novelist and 
Naval Historian ; being an Essay read before the Chicago Lit- 
erary Society, in 1883, by the 

HON. ISAAC N. ARNOLD. 

To the American visiting Europe, few places, if any, are more 
attractive than Stratford-upon-Avon, Abbotsford, Stoke Pogis, and 
Grasmere ; and it is remarkable that neither the birth-place of any 
King, Military Hero, nor Statesman, is so often visited. To no Em- 
peror's tomb gather so many pilgrims as to those of Grey, Scott, and 
Shakespeare. 

In our own country there are as yet comparatively few of these 
genius-haunted localities. True, there are Mt. Vernon and Monti- 
cello, Marshfield and Sunnyside, and some others, and among them 
none are more attractive, both on account of association and natural 
beauty, than the home and grave of James Fenimore Cooper. 

(yooperstown, on Otsego Lake, was the home of Cooper, and his 
dust here reposes upon the banks of the Susquehanna, under the 
shadows of the grand old hemlocks and pines and sugar-maples which 
he so graphically described ; but the lake, the river, the mountain, 
the rocks, the valley, the forests, and the "openings," are all replete 
with recollections of scenes, incidents and characters which he has 
described or created. The Highlands of Scotland, The Trossacks. 
Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond, and "The Border," are not more full of 
memories of Scott, than Lake George, the Hudson, the Kaatskills, 
Otsego Lake, and the Susquehanna, are with those of Cooper ; and 
the scenery, especially that of the last-named lake and river, are 
worthy to have been the home of this poet of nature and creator of 
American romance. 

Visiting it lately, fresh from the English lakes, after lingering 
fondly around the picturesque shores of Windemere and Derwent- 
water. and with vivid recollections of Ellen's Isle and the I^chs of 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWJN. 193 

"Bonnie Scotland," as well as the beauty and grandeur of Switzerland? 
of Lucerne, and Leman, and with Como and Maggiore not forgotten, 
I hesitate not to say, and the statement has been fully endorsed by 
many distinguished artists of both Europe and America, that for 
quiet beauty, for picturesqueness of form and outline, for brilliant 
atmospheric efi'ects, Otsego Lake has no superior at home or abroad. 
Let me pause a moment before speaking of Cooper, and attempt to 
give some idea of its attractions. 

Otsego Lake is about twenty-two miles south of the valley of the 
Mohawk, and perhaps thirty-five miles south-east of Utica. It is a 
body of deep, clear blue water, about nine miles long, and from three- 
quarters of a mile to two miles wide, extending from north to south, 
and lying between rather abrupt and densely wooded low mountains 
on the east, and gently sloping, beautiful and most gracefully rounded 
hills on the west. The eastern shore, from the rocky summit of the 
overshadowing cliffs to the water edge, is densely wooded with an 
almost unbroken forest, and is a mixture of evergreen with decidu- 
ous trees, intermingling the dark hemlock and pine with the birch, 
maple, beech, dogwood and linden, and forming a combination rarely 
equaled for beauty and variety. On the west side, the hills slope 
gracefully to the edge of the water, and are covered with all the 
variety of farm crops, presenting richly cultivated fields, meadows, 
and pastures, among which are quiet farm houses, with grazing sheep 
and cattle, and forming a pastoral scene of great beauty. 

Here in 1786 came William Cooper, the father of the novelist, and 
founded the village, and from him it took its name The head of 
the Lake bends to the west, as you approach its northern extremity, 
and here at the foot of a bold mountain called "The Sleeping Lion," 
and entirely covered with the primeval forest, is the palatial residence 
of George Clarke. The basin, wliich holds the waters of the Lake, 
is so raised on every side that only on the south, and through a very 
narrow passage, does it find an outlet, and this outlet, passing through 
a thicket of overhanging trees directly under the shadow of Mt. Vis- 
ion, forms the Susquehanna. 

William Cooper, the father — afterwards Judge of the county of 
Otsego, and its first representative in Congress — having acquired a 
large tract of land in the valley of the Susquehanna and around the 

13 



194 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 

shores of the Lake, came here in 1786 to reside, and to improve his 
land, and here his accomplished p^rand-daughter, the authoress of 
"Rural Hours," and other of his descendants, have their homes, and 
contribute much to a social circle unsurpassed in taste, intelligence 
and refinement. 

Judge Cooper was one of the founders of Christ Church, Coopers- 
town, and within its shadowy "grave-yard" are the graves of the 
Cooper family for four generations. None among the country 
churches of America, scarcely any among the rural churches of Eng- 
land, equal in beauty and picturesque surroundings this little edifice. 
It stands upon the green banks of the Susquehanna, as the Stratford 
church stands upon the banks of the Avon — but the banks of the 
Susquehanna are higher and bolder, and it is placed in a landscape 
of greater variety than that of the Avon. The grounds about the 
church are shaded with noble and venerable pines, elms and maples, 
and when the brilliant tints of autumn light up the foliage, the result 
is a scene which has no parallel in the old world. As Gray, in his- 
inimitable Elegy says of Stoke Pogis : 

"Beneath those rugged elms, that yew (pine) tree's shade 
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." 

1 think all who have seen both will concede that Stoke Pogis does 
not compare in natural beauty with the Otsego church-yard As I 
have said, here have been laid, side by side, four generations of the 
Cooper family, and here beneath these old Otsego pines and maples 
is the simple, modest grave of Fenimore Cooper, 

"There scattered €>ft the earliest of the year, 
By hands unseen, are showers of violets found. 

The red-breast loves to build, and warble there, 
And little footsteps lightly print the ground. "^ 

As you sail down the Otsego Lake on the little steamer "Natty 
Bumppo," approaching the village, you see on the eastern bank of the 
Lake, and directly beneath a bold clift' called "Prospect Rock," one of 
those beautiful rural cemeteries now becoming so common in our 
country, and so much more attractive than the cold and formal burial 
places of the Continent of Europe. On a gentle eminence, its white 
marble slmft piercing the deep green of the encircling evergreens, in 
which it is set, is the monument to Cooper, crowned most appropri- 
ately with a life-like statue of tlvxt finest creation of his genius, tb£r 



HISTORY OF COOPERSrOWJS. 195 

"Leatherstocking." Its foundation is a green knoll perhaps eighty 
feet above the blue waters of the "Glimmerglass." Sculptured on 
the base of the column is the name, only, "Fenimore- Cooper," encir- 
cled with a wreath of oak and laurel leaves. On the north, in high 
relief, are naval emblems illustrating his romances of the sea and 
lakes, and his naval histories : the anchor, the oar, the Indian paddle 
for the bark canoe, the naval sword and the harpoon of the whaleman. 
On the east side are sculptured the volumes of his works, with pen, 
inkstand, and an urn, with incense rising. On the south side are 
emblems illustrating his Indian stories, bows and arrows, the toma- 
hawk, hunting knife, bear's claws, etc. Crowning a column, some 
fifteen to twenty feet high, is the statue of the "Leatherstocking." 
He leans easily on his long rifle, and looking wistfully across the 
Otsego over the hills towards the west, he seems ready to pass away 
from the "clearings" towards the setting sun. Clad in a huntino- 
shirt, with deer-skin cap and leggins, his long powder horn and bullet 
pouch swung around his shoulder, his figure is life-like and full of ex- 
pression. His dog "Hector" is at his feet, looking up into the old 
hunter s face with a look so expressive you almost expect him to 
speak. The statue recalls the honest, ingenious, truthful, sagacious 
and faithful old 'Scout," in all his picturesque simplicity. 

Perhaps before proceeding further to speak of Cooper, and some 
of his works, the writer will be excused the egotism of mentioning 
the fact, that when a lad and full of enthusiasm and ready to create 
ideal heroes, the writer knew Cooper, and enjoyed sometimes the 
pleasure of listening to him in his own library. He was a fine talker, 
and could narrate a story at his own fireside as graphically as on 
paper ; and, however reserved and distant in manner he may have 
been to others, to the young lads of the village he was most genial 
and familiar, Reading his works when a boy, meeting him in his 
walks among the hills and sometimes listening of an evening to him 
at his own fireside, it would not be surprising if the writer's estimate 
was tinged with extravagance, but I think it ought to be conceded 
to-day, as I tho't then, that Cooper is the first of American novelists. 

If one had visited (Jooperstown early in the present century, he 
might have often seen amid the dense forest around it, threading its 
mountain paths, or in his boat on the blue waters of the Otsego, or 



196 HISTORY OF OOOPERSTOWN. 

meandering along the wild banks of the vSusquehanna, with fishing 
rod in hand, a fine, manly boy, of clear, piercing eyes, ruddy and 
athletic, very fond of nature and all out-of-door life, and often wan- 
dering far away into the dark forests, with only here and there a 
small clearing made by the ax of the pioneer. Keturning to his 
father's mansion, "Otsego Hall," at evening, with his basket filled 
with the -'Otsego bass" — evidence that he had assisted in drawing the l 
seine — or with the beautiful brook-trout which then abounded in all 
mountain streams, or with his game-bag full of squirrels, pigeons and 
partridges from the hills, the young lad would narrate the adventures ! 
of the day, the moving incidents by "flood and field," and doubtless 
was listened to as eagerly by the inmates of the Hall as were after- 
wards read the tales of the Indians and of "Leatherstocking.'' with 
which his imagination peopled these localities. 

He entered Yale College when a mere lad, and after a few years' 
study he was appointed a midshipman in the United States Navy, and 
as such he made voyages to England, to Spain and elsewhere, rentain- 
ing until 1811, when he resigned, and married Miss De Lancey, a 
sister of the late Bishop De Lancey. Thus he was being prepared for 
his career ; the early adventures of the backwoodsman were blended 
with the rough and varied experiences of the ocean. The stories of the 
early settlers of the Otsego, the Susquehanna and the Cherry Valley, 
their escapes from wild animals and wilder Indians, were mingled 
with the tales of the forecastle. 'I 'he boyhood dreams of the dark 
and gloomy forests, the Lake, the mountain and the glen, were varied 
and expanded by the experiences and legends of the sea, and all the 
romance of a sailor's life. Thus the two fields of nature, on which 
Cooper was to win his brightest laurels, the forest and the sea, were 
associated with all the recollections of boyhood and early youth. 

His best works may be classified into two divisions, in each of which 
he has attained the highest excellence — his tales of Indian and pioneer 
life, and his romances of the sea. In these departments he has created 
characters which are so vivid and life-like that they have taken their 
position among those ideal characters which live in the imagination 
and memory like real historic personages, which will never be forgot- 
ten. Macbeth, Hamlet, Rob Roy and Ivauhoe are to most minds, as 
painted by the great English dramatist and Scotch romancer, as real as 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 197 

Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary, and so are Cooper's "Leatherstock- 
ing," "Uncas," "The Red Rover," and "Long Tom (Jolfin." 

Cooper was a keen and close observer both of nature and of men, 
and his imagination was so fertile and vivid, and his power of word- 
painting so great that he could present everything he attempted to 
describe so that it was actually pictured before the reader ; and his 
skill in narration was so great that he seldom failed to seize and hold 
the attention, so he who begins to read one of his stories is rarely will- 
ing to lay it down until he gets to the end. He makes us see the blue 
lakes in all their loveliness, to feel the dense, dark, pathless forests in 
all their lonely grandeur He makes us realize the 
"Pleasure in all the pathless woods, 

The rapture in the lonely shore, 
Society where none intrudes, 

By the deep sea, and music in its roar." 

We hear the cataract, we shudder at the storm, we recoil from the 
prairie-fire raging on before the wind ; we are present at the Indian 
council, the ambush and the attack. He startles us with the terrible 
war-whoop of the "Delaware," the crack of the fatal rifle of "Deer- 
slayer" ; we hear the "Leatherstocking" calling his hounds ; the forest 
and the hills echo with the ax of "Billy Kirby," laying prostrate the 
giants of the woods, which have withstood the tempests of a thousand 
years. 

And so also upon the sea, in calm or in storm, amid the smoke of 
battle, or the perils of shij) wreck, on the deck of the "Red Rover," or 
on the flagship of Lord Nelson ; on a lee shore amid rocks and break- 
ers, or in mid-ocean in the wildest storms, he seems equally at home. 
Hence his books not only have a thrilling interest to the reader, but 
will be ever valuable as containing the best pictures of all those phases 
of life and society which he has described. Take for instance the 
early vsettlement and frontier life of our country as it occurred in Xew 
York and Xew England, and again on the wild prairies of the West , 
each with its own peculiar incidents, and the novel and racy charac- 
ters formed by these peculiar conditions, all have been sketched by 
hitn as by no other, and these pictures will live when the conditions 
and characters have been entirely lost in the changes of time. 

So of the Red Men: When tiie Indian shall live only in history, 
romance and tradition ; when the last hunter shall have disappeared 



198 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

from the last reservation ; when the plow shall have broken up his 
last hunting ground, and the buffalo shall, like the mastodon, have 
become an extinct animal, the nature, habits and peculiarities of this 
race will be studied on the pages of Cooper. I do not say Cooper's 
Indians are not overdrawn and too highly colored, still, with all their 
exaggeration, his are the best pictures of the race which can be found. 
Bryant declared Cooper's romances of the sea to be the finest ever 
written. From actual experience, as an officer of the navy, he ac- 
quired an accurate knowledge of the sea and navigation. He was 
thoroughly familiar with a ship, and with the ocean and the weather 
in all their moods : 

"Calm or convulsed, in breeze, or gale, or storm, 
Icing the pole, or in the torrid clime, 
Dark, heaving, boundless, endless and sublime," — 

he had seen it all, and of those peculiar people, who "go down to the 
sea in ships," the sailor, frank, fearless, generous, skillful, contending 
with the winds and waves in their wildest fury, he is emphatically and 
by common consent the novelist of the sea. 

In 1821, when Cooper was thirty-two years old, he published "The 
Spy," a story of the Revolution. The work was a success, almost 
equal to that of Waverly, and established the reputation of the au- 
thor. Washington, and other characters of the Revolution, are in- 
troduced, but the peddler Spy is the hero. His unselfish devotion to 
duty, his fidelity and patriotism, his hair-breadth escapes, his resources 
in danger, and his devotion to Washington, his readiness to expose 
himself to an ignominious death, with no hope of reward in glory, 
and no other motive except to serve his country, and win the approba- 
tion of his Chief, have made him one of the most interesting charac- 
ters in fiction. 

Two years after "The Spy," in 1823, was published the "Pioneers." 
"Lionel Lincoln," another tale of the "Revolution," the scene of which 
was laid in Boston and vicinity, was given to the public in 1825. 
"The Last of the jVlohicans" was published in 1826. This is generally 
considered the most interesting of all his Indian stories, and in this 
the "Leatherstocking," who had already figured in the "l^ioneers," 
appears as the "Scout," and is presented with all the skill and sagacity 
of the best type of an Indian warrior, blended with all the virtues and 
none of the vices of that race. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 199 

In 1827, having sailed for Europe in 1826, he published "The 
Prairie." In this the Leatherstocking. who had been presented as a 
Hunter on the Otsego hills in the "Pioneers," a AVarrior and Scout in 
the "Last of the Mohicans," now in extreme old age appears as a 
Trapper on the prairie. Bryant says of it : "I read it with a certain 
awe. an undefined sense of sublimity, such as one experiences for the 
first time on entering those immense grassy deserts from which the 
work takes its name," and which Bryant has himself so well des- 
cribed as the 

"Fitting floor 
For the magnificent temple of the sky, 
With flowers whose glory and whose multitude 
Rival the constellations." 

He adds : "The squatter and his family, that brawny old man with 
his large-limbed sons, living in a sort of primeval and patriarclial bar- 
barism, sluggish on ordinary occasions but terrible when roused, like 
the hurricane which sweeps over the grand but mountainous wilderness 
of the West, seem a natural outgrowth of these ancient fields of tlie 
West." 

The execution of "Abiram," by the patriarchal squatter " Ishmael 
Bush," the father, for the murder of his son, is one of the most terri- 
ble pictures to be found in ancient tragedy or modern fiction. VV^hen 
Ishmael, as judge and executioner, left the wretched culprit on the 
platform of the rock, far off, in the solitude of the lonesome desert, 
with his arms pinioned but loose enough to hold in his hand the 
leaf of the Bible which his poor sister, the mother, had sent to com- 
fort his last moments, it was an execution far more solemn than though 
performed with all the formalities of judicial sanction. Cooper has 
thrown an awful, patriarchal grandeur around the terrible scene. 
And then how graphic the scene of the moonlight burial, when the 
father, the executioner, had dug the grave of the murderer, and laying 
his broad hand upon the breast of the dead — while sister and bereaved 
mother knelt alone by the side of the open grave — he s dd : "Abiram 
White, we all have need of mercy ; from my soul do I forgive you. 
May God in Heaven have pity on your soul." 

The "Water Witch," a thrilling story of the sea. was published in 
1830. "The Bravo," published in 1831, contains as fine descriptions 
of incidents in old Venetian life and Venetian scenery as are to be 



200 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

found — scarcely equaled by anything in Rogers or Byron. San Marco, 
the oldest Christian church in the world, with its mosaics and brazen 
steeds, its historic square, the Campanile, the Bridge of Sighs, the 
Rialto, a gondola race upon the Ledo, the dark tyranny, mysterious 
police, and terrible treachery of the Council of Ten, are nowliere else 
more graphically described, and are all woven into a story o: absorbing 
interest. 

In 1833 he published "The Headsman of Berne," in which the 
grandeur of Alpine scenery, the beauty of Swiss lakes, with the ascent 
of Mt. Blanc, the perils of an Alpine storm and a rescue by the 
dogs of St Bernard, are all portrayed with his own peculiar life and 
vividness. 

After spending about seven years in Europe, be returned to Amer- 
ica, and in 1840 published the "Pathfinder," a story the scene of 
which is laid on Lake Ontario, its islands and shores ; and in this he 
combines the romance both of the sea and forest. Another phase of 
his great character, Leatherstocking, is presented; he is now introduced 
as a lover, and with a freshness and originality never surpassed, while 
Jasper, the young sailor, presents those qualities of skill, seamanship, 
courage, frankness and generosity, which made Cooper's earlier sea 
stories so attractive. 

Again, in 1841, in "Deerslayer," the last to appear of the "Leather- 
stocking" tales, we are once more taken to the beautiful scenery around 
Otsego Lake, and in none of his works are his powers of description 
more strikingly illustrated. 

The Leatherstocking is the leading character in five of his novels. 
In the "Pioneers" he is the unrivaled hunter and rifleman ; in the 
"Mohicans," he is a warrior known all around the frontier and in the 
French and Colonial armies as the unequaled Scout, "La Longue Cara- 
bine," as the French called him. In the "Pathfinder" he is "Hawk- 
eye," from the keenness of his eye and his ability to find his way and 
trace his enemies through the trackless forests. In the "Deerslayer," 
he becomes the owner of a wonderful rifle called "Killdeer," of almost 
supernatural excellence, and in his hands certain death to deer or sav- 
age. At last he appears, in extreme old age, as the "Trapper of the 
Prairies," and closes the career of what I think may be called the most 
remarkable character in modern fiction, for taking him altogether as 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 201 

described in these several works, and in all the variety of life and 
incident in which he is made to figure, I know of no creation of 
ancient or modern fiction more striking and interesting, — certainly he 
has no counterpart, and he may be called in truth a new creation He 
is the poet and philosopher of the woods ; ignorant of book knowledge, 
but instructed in all that nature could teach, with a heart that seemed 
to drink in instinctively all good, and reject all evil, there seemed to 
have been blended in his character the graces of the purest Christianity, 
with all the noblest qualities of the Indian. He was reverent, pious, 
worshipping the Great Creator, through all his works. As he said to 
"iVIahtDree," the chief of the Dacotahs, he loved the forests. "I loved 
to sleep," said he, "where my eyes could look up through the branches 
of the pines and beeches to the very dwelling of the Good Spirit of 
my people. If I had need to open my heart to him, while his fires 
were burning above my head, the door was open, and before my eyes." 
His untutored ear, in all the voices of nature caught the song of the 

stars, 

"Forever singing, as they shine, 
The hand that made us is divine." 

There was something very interesting in his conception of the (cre- 
ator. Like the Indian conception of Manitou, it was grand, majestic, 
and awe-inspiring, but nnngled with it were the love and mercy and 
fatherly kindness of the Christian's God. He was sagacious, full of 
resources, and yet simple and guileless as a child, truthful, generous, 
self-sacrificing, brave, tender, humane to man and beast. There are 
scattered all through the Leatherstocking tales a simple but sublime 
morality, equaling that of Socrates, and worthy of one who drew his 
inspiration not only from Nature, but the Bible itself. AVith this 
there is a love of nature, a poetry of sentiment expressed often in 
homely phrases, but elevated in tone, scarcely surpassed in poetry. 

Another and striking, and, so far as I know, entirely original char- 
acter created by Cooper, is that rough but perfect diamond, the old 
Cockswain, ''Long Tom Coffin." With all the virtues and few of the 
infirmities of a seaman, with a grain of superstition, but with deep 
and profound reverence for the Great Being whose providence a sailor 
sees too much of to doubt, he is true, faithful, calm in danger ; so 
generous and unselfish, it is with him but ordinary good fellowship to 
divide his last biscuit with his shipmates. • Ijoving his ship as the 



202 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

father loves his child, scorning with utter loathing all treachery and 
falsehood, his life is gloriously ended by his calmly clasping the mast, 
going down with the ship he would not abandon, his death rises to the 
grandeur of martyrdom. 

The man who creates such characters as "Tom Coffin" and the 
"Ijcatherstocking," full of a pure, simple, healthy morality, read as 
these works are by millions, has done more than the philosopher or the 
divine to make men good and happy, and it is not extravagant to say 
that to-day there are thousands who are better and happier because 
Cooper lived. 

While in Europe, Cooper had vigorously, ably and triumphantly 
defended his country and her institutions against those who assailed 
republican government. Mingling freely in the highest social circles 
of England and France, the warm and intimate personal friend of La 
Fayette, ever a welcome guest at Holland House, and among the most 
distinguished liberalists of the old world, he was regarded as the cham- 
pion of his country, and thus he well earned the right to criticise the 
faults of his countrymen. On his return home, finding many of them 
not quite up to his ideal of an American citizen, he became sensitive 
— over sensitive — to their faults, and the defects in the administration 
of the laws ; but this was because he loved his country and wished to 
feel unqualified pride in her excellence and superiority. Seeing many 
things which he thought might be improved, he sought by criticism 
and satire to correct some of the faults and foibles of the people. 
Hence he wrote and published a series of political novels. He loved 
his native country so well that he wished to aid in rendering her in 
all respects worthy the pride of an intelligent and cultivated man. 
But a considerable portion of the people had been taught by Fourth 
of July orators, and some of the editors, that our country was very 
nearly perfect, that our government and its administration were fault- 
less, and that the manners and customs of the people needed no im- 
provement ; and when Cooper began to criticise and satirize, the edi- 
tors of these papers, forgetting the services he had rendered and the 
glory he had conferred upon his country, turned upon him and assailed 
him with a recklessness and licentiousness which at first astonished 
him. But Cooper was a bold and determined man, and after bearing 
their attacks for a time, he turned at bay and deliberately resolved to 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 203 

silence the abuse by means of the law. He carefully counted the 
cost, and deteruiiued to ascertain by experiment whether protection 
could be obtained from the laws of his country. He had reason to 
anticipate what actually occurred, that the libelers when assailed in 
turn would combine and make common cause, and seek to utterly 
destroy a man who had the courage to strike back. I think Cooper in 
this controversy with a powerful part of the press evinced a courage 
rarely equaled. Where is there a man to-day who in Cooper's posi- 
tion would dare to accept war with the press ? There are few who do 
not feel that the press is too strong for any individual successfully to 
resist ; or at least that it is in the power of the press to make a con- 
flict with it so painfully disagreeable and injurious that most will pre- 
fer to submit to cruel injustice in silence rather than seek to punish 
the assailant. 

The press is to-day less reckless than when it assailed Cooper, and a 
portion of it has a higher tone ; but still all just men regard its tyran- 
ny, its licentiousness, its vulgarity, as one of the gravest evils of mod- 
ern civilization, and feel that there is no adequate remedy for its abuse. 
Who to-day dare attempt "to put a ring in the nose of this Levia- 
than ?" 

Cooper had the courage to attempt it, and the perseverance and 
determination to accomplish it. As has been said, he entered upon 
the contest deliberately, and after repeated and long-continued provo- 
cation, but having begun he carried on the war with a vigor, an energy, 
practical skill and an untiring industry, that finally drove the enemy 
from the field. In the beginning, he made himself master of the law 
of libel and slander. There was not a member of the New York bar 
more thoroughly read in the decisions of both the English and Ameri- 
can courts, on these subjects, than he. His nephew, the late Richard 
Cooper, then a young but able lawyer residing in Cooperstown, was 
the attorney in most of the cases, and prepared them for trial ; other 
counsel assisted, and some of the most important, Cooper himself 
argued. When he began the litigation, the first suit was the signal for a 
dozen new attacks, each more libelous than that which was the subject 
of the prosecution ; but the next morning, a suit would be brought 
against each and every new assailant, and suits would be repeated as 
often as the libels were published, so that in some instances, several 



204 HISTORY OF C00PER8T0WN. 

actions would be pending against an editor at the same time. When 
an action was commenced, it was pressed to trial with full vigor and 
prosecuted from court to court, if necessary to the court of last resort, 
without pause or delay. To this duty, as he regarded it, Cooper 
devoted several years of the full vigor of his life. He so carefully 
considered each case, and he was so thoroughly prepared, that he rarely 
failed. 

Bryant says, that in February, 1843, after Cooper had been five 
years engaged in this warfare, he received a letter from him, saying : 
"I have beaten every man I sued, who has not retracted his libel." In 
his eulogy upon Cooper, Bryant says, "I listened to Cooper's opening 
in one of the most important of these cases, and it was clear, skillful 
and persuasive, and his closing argument was splendidly eloquent, a 
leading lawyer saying of it, *T have heard nothing to compare with it 
since the days of Thomas Addis Emmett.' " Cooper may be said to 
have whipped the newspaper press into good manners, at least towards 
himself. But it is sad to think that a man who had reflected so much 
glory upon his nation, and a man who, while abroad, was ever ready 
with his pen and his tongue to defend his country, at any personal 
sacrifice, should be forced into this warfare in self-defence. 

On his return from Europe he repaired the old paternal mansion, 
"Otsego Hall," for his permanent home. This was a large country 
house, standing in the center of the village, and surrounded_by_sonie 
four acres of open ground. The hall proper, running through the 
middle of the building, was twenty-five by about fifty feet. It faced 
the North, and commanded a beautiful view of Otsego Lake and the 
hills on both shores and also of Mount Wellington, or the "Sleeping 
Lion," near the head of the Lake. A castellated cornice was put 
around the building, and the grounds were laid out and beautified 
with a large plantation of trees, shrubbery and flowers. Forest trees, 
both evergreen and deciduous, which nowhere grow more luxuriantly 
than among the Otsego hills and on the banks of the Susquehanna, 
were liberally transplanted, and in a short time most beautiful speci- 
mens of the hemlock and the pine, the sugar maple and the elm, the 
birch and all the trees and flowering shrubs, which would flourish in 
that climate, could be found in his grounds, and in these he took 
pride, and found in their culture constant enjoyment. By these 



HISTORY OF C00PER8T0WN. 205 

means lie made "The Hall" one of the most attractive country resi- 
dences in Central New York. He owned a farm on the side of the 
mountain east of the Lake, not far from "Natty Bumppo's cave," and 
about two miles from the Hall. This farm, up among the rocks and 
the evergreens, he named "The Chalet," and the walk from his home 
to this farm is one of the most attractive in the neighborhood. Cross- 
ing the Susquehanna just below the outlet of the Lake, and passing 
directly under the shadow of Mount Vision, and turning north, a 
picturesque road on the bank of the Lake and a wild wood-path lead 
to the farm perched half-way between the shore and the summit of 
the hills. This farm Cooper visited almost daily, and as he was as 
fond of walking as Sir Walter Scott, he could often be seen wending 
his way, with a rapid step to this farm. He composed as he walked, 
and many a thrilling scene in the "Deerslayer," and other of his 
later w^orks, were composed as he followed the mountain paths through 
the forests around "The Chalet" and along the shores of the Otsego. 

Mr. Cooper was a fine-looking man, with a large, manly figure, 
rather tall and stout, with a full, broad forehead, strong features, lips 
full, firm and determined, with large, clear, grey eyes ; he would at- 
tract attention anywhere. He had been personally familiar with 
many of the varied scenes which he described. A backwoodsman, a 
college boy, a naval officer, equally familiar with the forest and sea, 
a student, a wide traveler ; he had mingled with the highest social 
circles in England, France, Italy and America. When in London he 
had been ever a welcome guest at the homes of the most eminent in 
literature and in public life. He was intimate with Rogers, Words- 
worth, and the literary circles of England at that day. In Paris he 
and La Fayette lived like brothers Morse, the inventor of the tele- 
graph, was his warm personal friend, and often his guest at Coopers- 
town. 

This village was, at the time of Mr. Cooper's return, and long had 
been, the center of a circle of refined and cultivated men and women 
such as are very rarely found in a village of its size. It was the resi- 
dence, for half a century, of the late Justice Nelson of the Supreme 
Court of the United States. Here had resided General John A. Dix, 
the eloquent Ambrose L. Jordan, Judge Morehouse, Colonel John H. 
Prentiss, Robert Campbell, and many others of almost equal dis- 



206 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

tinction. Tn this circle Mr. Cooper found congenial friends, and 
here, on the 14th of September, 1851, he died. 

Perhaps among the crowds of sensational novels, of which the last 
few years have been so prolific, Cooper's works maybe less read than 
formerly, yet he still holds, I think, at the close of the first century 
of the Republic, his position as the first of American novelists. 

PERSONAL RFCOLLECTIONS OP MR. COOPER. 

The Editor of this book never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. 
Fenimore- Cooper but once, and that was in Albany in 1850. When 
introduced to him as "one of the Editors of the Argus," Mr. Cooper 
very pleasantly remarked : "Then of course you are a Democrat, Mr. 
Shaw. I also am one, and I suppose for the reason that it takes a 
first-class aristocrat to make a first-class Democrat." Mr. Cooper 
impressed us as a genial, cordial, pleasant gentleman. He was on 
his death-bed when we came to this village, the following year. 

Miss Susan F. Cooper says of her father in "Pages and Pictures :" 
His childish recollections were all closely connected with the 
forests and hills, the fresh clearings, new fields and homes on the 
banks of the Otsego. It was here liis boy's strength was first tried 
in those sports to which gray-headed men, amid the cares of later 
life, delight to look back. From the first bow and arrow, kite and 
ball, to later feats in fishing, riding, shooting, skating, all were con- 
nected with his highland home. It was on the waters of the Otsego 
that he first learned to handle an oar, to trim a sail. Healthy and 
active, he delighted in every exercise of the kind — a brave, blithe- 
hearted, impetuous, most generous and upright boy, as he is remem- 
bered by those who knew him in childhood. 

As a youth and young man, he was very popular with his associ- 
ates ; and in after life, the men who knew him best were his most 
devoted friends. Says one who knew him well : 

As a citizen he was kind to the poor, liberal in every way to ad- 
vance the good of society and the welfare of the inhabitants of the 
village. He did not play the egotist. He sought not the applause 
of the people. He relied on the lasting effects of his labors upon the 
public mind both at home and abroad, for the establishment of his 
fame as an author. He visited his publishers (Lea & Blanchard, 
Philadelphia,) often, generally going by stage to the railroad. He 
kept no fast horses and fine carriages. He had a horse, and some- 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 207 

times rode him along up the side of the lake, but seldom rode in a 
carriage. When not in his study he was frequently enjoying a walk 
about his own premises, examining his shrubbery, plants and flowers, 
of which there was an abundance. 

llie following portraiture of him as a public writer, drawn by 
Hillard, in the Atlantic Monthly, is true of him, to a considerable 
extent, as a citizen : 

Cooper's character as a man is the more admirable to us, because 
it was marked by strong points which are not common in our country, 
and which the institutions of our country do not foster. He had the 
courage to defy the majority ; he had the courage to confront the 
press ; and not from the sting of ill success, not from mortified van 
ity, not from wounded self-love, but from an heroic sense of duty. 
How easy a life might he have purchased by the cheap virtues of 
silence, submission and acquiescence ! Booksellers would have en- 
riched him ; society would have caressed him ; political distinction 
would have crowned him ; he had only to watch the course of public 
sentiment, and so dispose himself that he should seem to lead where 
he only followed, and all comfortable things would have been poured 
into his lap. But he preferred to breast the stream, to speak ungrate- 
ful truths. He set a wholesome example in this respect ; none the 
less valuable because so few have had the manliness and self reliance 
to imitate him. 

Mr. G. Pomeroy Keese, a relative of Mr- Cooper, in an article on 
the daily habits of the latter, said of him : 

He was habitually industrious, not alone as author, but in all the 
business of life. He rose early, and a considerable portion of his 
writing was accomplished before breakfast, which did not usually 
take place until about nine o'clock. In the summer, hardly a day 
passed that he did not visit his farm, known as the Chalet, situated 
about a mile from the village on the eastern shore of the lake, and 
from its heights commanding an extensive view of the village, and 
valley of the Susquehanna at the south, and bounded at the north by 
the hills which girt that extremity of the lake. It was this view, 
one of the most beautiful in the vicinity, that was the occasion of 
the purchase of the farm by Mr. Cooper. Its attractions to the agri- 
culturist are not commensurate with the beauty of the situation. 
Indeed, a more forbidding spot could not well be chosen, as far as a 
mere return for the labors of the husbandman is considered. 'J'he 
whole farm, of about two hundred acres, is in fact a mountain ab- 
ruptly rising from the shore of the lake to the height of about four 



208 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

hundred feet, and with the exception of two or three level terraces of 
a few acres each, is an unbroken hillside, dotted with stumps in the 
clearings, but a large part still covered with the primitive forest. It 
was on this farm that Cooper sought relaxation from his mental 
labors, and he visited it almost daily in the summer. 

The varied duties of the day being accomplished, the gathering 
shades of twilight frequently found (hooper promenading the large 
hall ; his hands crossed behind his back, his brow carrying the im- 
pression of deep thought, his head also doing duty, as far as possible 
in the way of gesticulation , by frequent and decisive nods of approval 
or otherwise of his thoughts, to which he often gave utterance in 
audible sounds — no doubt to be committed to paper the following 
morning, as he rarely wrote much in the evening. These perambu- 
lations were often continued after tea ; although usually in the even- 
ing he was to be found in the midst of his family, either reading the 
papers, or indulging in his favorite game of chess with Mrs. Cooper. 

The library, the room in which Cooper invariably wrote, was a 
well proportioned apartment of about twenty by twenty-four feet 
and twelve in height, situated in the most retired part of the house, 
and having a southern and western exposure. Its deep recessed 
windows, dark oak wainscoting and the thick shade of the numerous 
trees in the vicinity, shutting out the glare of the sun's rays, com- 
bined to give it an appearance of quiet and repose so eminently befit- 
ting a room of its character ; while the sides were well lined with 
books of a miscellaneous description — which was in a measure owing 
to an agreement at one time in force with his publisher, by which he 
received a copy of every book issued by the firm. There were, how- 
ever, many works of much interest and value, although it is believed 
a complete set of his own works was not among the number. 

Mr. Cooper died on Sunday, September 14th, 1851, aged sixty-two 
years lacking one day. His funeral was on the 17th, at the Episcopal 
church ; sermon by Rev. Mr. Batten. The body was viewed at the 
Hall, after which the services in the church were conducted. The 
interment was in the Cooper burial grounds, (Jhrist church-yard. 

THE COOPER MONUMENT 

IN LAKEWOOD CEMETERY. 

Mr. Cooper died on the 14th of September, 1851. Ten days later, 
a public meeting of prominent citizens of the city of New York was 
held, in the City Hall, at which Washington Irving presided, followed 
two weeks later by that of the Historical Society, and finally by the 



mSTORV OF COOPEBSTOWI^. 200 

gveat denioustration at Metropolitau Hall, Feb. 24, 1852, when speeches 
"Were made by Daniel Webster the chairman, George Bancroft, and oth- 
ers, and the memorial discourse was delivered by Wm. Cullen Bryant. 

On all these occasions, the prime object in view was the erection of 
a Monument or Statue, in one of the public squares of the city. The 
matter finally took shape in the organization of the " Cooper Monu- 
ment Association," in March following, of which Washington Irving 
was president and John A. Stevens of the Bank of Commerce, treas- 
urer. Subscriptions had already been received, and paid from time 
to time, so that the amount in hands of the treasurer about this date 
was i$678. No active work was done by the committee, and the mat- 
ter languished, and was finally almost forgotten by the public. 

In 1858, Mr, Alfred Clarke and Mr. G. P. Keese» undertook to raise 
by subscription a sufficient sum to erect a Memorial Monument in or 
near the village of Cooperstown, having in view the transfer of what- 
ever sum might be on deposit in New York towards this object. A 
hearty response from a number of prominent gentlemen gave an impe- 
tus to the undertaking, and the accompanying interesting letter from 
^Vashington Irving explains his action and the disposition of the New 
York fund : 

SuNNYsiDE, Jany 14, !859. 

Dear Sir : — I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
t)ecember 20, suggesting a transfer of the amount subscribed in Xew 
York towards a city monument to the memory of Mr. James Feni- 
more Cooper, to the monument now proposed to be erected in Coop- 
erstown, and for whicl; you inform me you have collected twelve or 
fourteen hundred dollars. The amount of the New York subscrip- 
tions now in trust in tlie hands of Mr. John A, Stevens. President of 
the Bank of Commerce, I have ascertained from him to be !$678. 
This sum was contributed mainly on the evening of Mr. Bryant's dis- 
•course on his life, character and genius; S457, he informs me, being 
collected on that occasion ; .$21 were handed in to him by me from 
contributors whose names 1 cannot now recall, and the remaining 
^200 were given in two equal sums by Mr. Wm. H. Prescott, the his* 
torian, and mj^self. T learn from Mr. Stevens that no addition to this 
•sum has ever been made, and that there is every probability that the 
^amount in his hands will remain unclaimed. It is altogether iiuide- 
-quate to the statue, or other conspicuous monument, in tlie city of 
New York, intended by the original donors; and while I sincerely 
igret that this plan should fail of accomjdishuient, T can have n > 

14 



210 HISTORY OP COOPERSTOWK 

hesitation in the transfer of my subscription of $100 to the propoSecl 
monument at Cooperstown, and I have no doubt that Mr. Prescott- 
on application from yoa, will consent to a like transfer of his .$100. I 
shall also signify to Mr. Stevens, in compliance with his express re- 
quest, my consent to a similar transfer of the twenty-one dollars 
handed to him from me from contributors whose names 1 cannot now 
recall, and my written sanction, so far as the expression of its propri- 
ety from me as chairman of the committee af arrangements for a 
suitable demonstration of respect for the memory of Mr. Cooper can 
give sanction, to a like appropriation of the !$457 eo-llected as above 
stated, and which it would be in vain to attempt to return to the 
donors. In this way I shall most effectually aid your object, and 
come nearest, 1 i^resume, to any probable fulfillment of the object of 
the united subscribers in New York. 

I have reason to think that Mr. Stevens will feel warranted in 
transferring the whole sum in his hands, on the receipt of a letter I 
shall forthwith send to him, and the donation of Mr. Preseott to be- 
procured by you, and an adequate written pledge of its application to 
the object in view, which, with the letters of Mr, Preseott and myself 
he may retain as a voucher for the faithful discharge of his trust. 
I remain, dear Sir, with great respect^ 
Yours very truly, 

Alfred Clarke, Esq. WASHINGTON IKVING. 

As the result of this letter, the Cooperstown committee received 
from Mr. Stevens ^678, being the a.mount in Ms hands ; and on the 
30th of May, 1859, Mr. G. P. Keese entered into a contract with 
Robert E. Launitz, then the most prominent monu-mental sculptor 
of the country, for the erection of the monument as it at present 
stands in Lakewood Cemetery. It was finally completed by the placing 
of the statuette of "Leatherstocking" upon the top, in the spring of 1 8G0. 

This monument is of white Italian marble, resting on a granite base 
six feet square. The shaft, including the base, die and cap from 
which it rises, is about 25 feet in height, and is surmounted by a richlj^ 
carved Corinthian capital. The four sides of the die' are beautifully 
sculptured in bold relief ; the front with the name of Fenimore- 
Cooper, surrounded by a wreath of palm and oak branches, the latter 
with acorns, one falling and another fallen ; the north side, with 
appropriate naval devices, viz : the anchor, oars crossed, commander's' 
sword and spy-glass ; the south side, with Indian emblems, such as boM' 
and arrows and quiver, lance with scalp-locks attached, toniahawk and 



BISTOEF OF COOPERSTO'WJS. 



211 



\iecklace of bear's claws. On the east side are literary emblems, books 
and manuscript, with the student's lamp just extinguished, an inkstand, 
the pen from which has just been seized and borne aloft by an eagle. 
On its capital stands the statuette of "Leatherstocking," 4t\ feet high, 
representing him in the act of loading his rifle, and gazing intently 
in the direction of the game, while the dog (nearly a full sized hound,) 
by his side, looks anxiously into his master's face, waiting for permis- 
sion to bound away. 

As an interesting matter of record, we present a transcript of the 
full subscription list in the order in which it was made : 
Duncan C. Pell, - - - $100 00 Alfred Clarke, - - . $ioo 00 
Joseph L. White, - - - 100 00 Mrs, L. Baker, - - - - 25 00 
-S. F. B. Morse, - - - - 20 00 Francis March, . - . 50 00 
Mary L. Griffin, - - - 20 00 Hamilton Fish, - - . - 100 00 
Samuel Nelson, ^ - - lOO 00 W. H, Averell, - - - 100 00 

Theodore Keese, - - - 60 00 George Clarke, - - - . lOO 00 
Henry Scott, ... - 50 cO J. V. L. Pruyn, - - . 2500 
•Schuyler Crippen, - - - 25 00 John B. Beresford, - - - 25 00 
Thomas Mcintosh, - - 20 00 Charles L. Austin, - - - 15 00 
Elihu Phinney, Sr , - - - 100 00 C J. Stillman, - - - - 20 00 
J. A. Spencer, - - - 25 00 Calvin Graves, - - - 25 00 

•G. W . Ernst, - - - ^ 25 00 F. A, Lee, 50 oo 

J. D. Hammond, - - - 20 00 Mrs. G. Banyer, - - - 50 00 

J W. Nelson, - - - 50 00 Pierre Van Cortlandt, - - 25 00 

W. A. Corastock. - - - 20 00 Ellery Cory, - - - . 25 00 
R.A.Leslie, - - - - 10 00 James Stowell, - - - 20 09 

"S. M. Shaw, - - - - 10 00 Charles T. Bering, - - . 25 00 
J. R. Worthington, - - - 25 00 W, W CampJjell, - - - 25 00 
A. B. Cox, - - - - 25 OO John H. Prentiss, - - - 25 00 

J. F. Scott, 20 00 A. A. Brown, - - . - 25 00 

Jacob Livingston. - - - 25 Oo Robert P. Campbell, - - 50 00 
Kenneth G. White, - - 25 00 A. Rosebooni, - - - - 25 00 

D.H Little, - - - - 25 00 Samuel Campbell, - - - 25 00 
■George L. Bowne, - - - 25 00 Dorr Ru.«sell, - - . - 10 00 
H Sturges, - - - - 10 00 Mrs. Henry Laight, - - 100 00 
Maria M. C. Smith, - - - 10 00 H. Lathrop, Jr,, - - - 6 00 
J. P. Sill, - - - - - 20 00 P. H. Potter, - - - - 5 00 
Caleb Clark, - - - - 5 00 Wm. H Astor, - - . loo 00 
George Clark, - - - - 5 00 Henry D. Cruger, - - - 100 00 

Francis Rotch, - - - 25 00 R. H Worthmgtoii, - - 10 00 

John Jay, - - - - - 100 00 Peter Becker, - . - . 5 oo 
Isaac N. Arnold, - - - 20 W Sundry Subscriptions, - - 34 00 
"Com. Shubrick and friends in N. Y^ City Subscriptions, - - 678 00 

Washingtoii, - - 140 ^H* Total amount, - - - $3,262 00 



212 HISTORY OF G00PER8T0WK 



THE TOWN OF OTSIIGO. 



This is the oldest town in the county of Otsego, and originally ex- 
tended as far as Delaware county on the south, taking in Unadilla=. 
It is now the largest town in the county with the exception of Mid- 
dlefield, and in 1880 had a population of 4,690 — ^then the largest of 
any in the county ; now slightly exceeded by Oneonta. 

The following are the present Town OfEcers : 

Supervisor — Thomas L&idler. 

Town Clerk — Charles R. Alger. 

Collector — Charles FI. Irish. 

Justices of the Peace — Jenks S. Sprague, Rufus C". Doubleday- 
Chatfield Leonard, Clarence U. Cook. 

Assessoi-s— Garrett B. Kellogg, Wheeler Drake, Alfred Wilcox. 

Overseers of the Poor — Vloses H. Lippitt, Albert C. Reynolds. 

(commissioners of Highways — Luther Goodrich, Chauncey N. Drake,- 
John A. McBwen. 

Railroad Commissioners — Wheeler Drake, Jaraes P. Clark, Herbert 
D. Wedderspoon. 

Excise Commissioners — George T. Burnell, Joel G. White, Dewitt 
G. Badger. 

Constables — Walter Yan Home, Jacob G, Snyder, Ransom Eddy,- 
Orville Beadle. 

Game Constable — J. Channing BalL 

FLY CREEK. 

The settlement of Fly Creek is almost coeval with that of Coopers- 
town. The tract of land known as the Cooper Patent, of which a 
condensed account is given, in the "History of Cooperstown," extend- 
ed to, and included what is now a part of, the village of Fly Creek. 

William C. Jarvis, a son of AVilliam Jarvis, was the first child: 
born on the C^ooper Patent in this vicinity, and received a present of 
fifty acres of land from William Cooper for being named after him. 
William Cooper Jarvis was born in 1787, and died only a few years- 
ago, and is buried in the Old Chapel Cemetery, ju«t north of Fly 
Creek, 

Among the early settlers of the Fly Creek village, were the Jarvis< 
Baxiger, Marvin, Taylor anrl Williams families. Of these, there re- 



HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 213 

•oiain descendants of the Jarvis, Badger, Marvin, and Taylor families. 

The settlers of Fly Creek, early in the present century, exhibited 
<3haracteristics of energy and enterprise, and manufactories of differ- 
ent kinds were established. Among the first v/as the Fly Creek Pail 
Manufactory, a little north of the present village. It was carried on 
by John Badger, grandfather of Ezra W. Badger, and great-grand- 
father of Dewitt C. Badger, the present Postmaster of the village. 
The Badger Patent Pails obtained a just celebrity, and the demand 
was brisk for them over most of the State of New York, and in the 
■eastern States. Even now inquiries come here to know if they are 
still manufactured. John Badger died about the year 1830, and was 
■succeeded in business by E. & H. Cory, who carried on the business 
for many years. At the time John Badger carried on the Pail Fac- 
tory, Orestes Badger & Brother, two of his sons, were engaged in the 
same vicinity as gun snuths, and made the first rifles made in this 
'County. 

About this time C/hester and Kent Jarvis were engaged in the 
^making of Carding Machines in Fly Creek ; and about 1828, Orestes 
Badger bought them out, and started on the same premises the Fly 
Creek Foundery and Machine Shop. Mr. 0. Badger was a mechanic 
almost by nature, original and inventive in inception. He made at 
his works some large hydrostatic presses for pressing the oil from 
flax seed, and spent much money in experimenting on them. He 
also manufactured power looms for cotton factories, and large gear 
wheels and otlier machinery for cotton mills. The cost of making 
experiments and patterns, was too much for his finances, and in 1832 
he was succeeded in business by Charles H. Metcalf & H. Bliss. Mr. 
Bliss was succeeded by Hugh Livingston, and he by Wm. Shepherd, 
who, upon the death of Charles H. Metcalf, became the sole owner. 
He carries on now what work is done there. 

Orestes Badger, about fifty years ago, started what has since that 
time been known as the Badger Machine Shop in Fly Creek, and 
carried on a large business in making the Badger Endless Chain 
Horse Powers, of which he was the inventor and patentee. Upon 
his death in 1850, his son Ezra W. Badger took the shop, and en- 
larged the business of making Horse Powers and 'I'hreshers. J. B. 
Hooker was associated with E. W. Badger for quite a number of 
years, and the Badger Threshing Machine was known far and wide. 
This shop, to which a good furnace is attached, is now owned by Dr. 
J. K. Leaning. 

Henry Cheney and Silas TiCrow. about forty years ago, commenced 
here the making of hammers, and for a number of years carried on a 
large business. 'I'hey finally removed to Little Falls, N. Y. 



214 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWW. 

About the same time, E. Denio and his brother carried on the 
manufacture of garden, hay and manure forks. Ceylon North be- 
came a partner of Elon Denio, and the firm for a long time did a very- 
large business. This shop was about a mile south of Fly Creek vil- 
lage. Freight costing so much, this industry was removed to Bald- 
winsville, N. Y., and the shop is now idle. Other and minor manu- 
factories were running here for short periods of time 

Of the religious societies here, the Universalist is the oldest. It 
was organized in 1805, and was the first society of that denomination 
in this State. Rev. Job Potter was the clergyman for a long time. 
The present minister is Rev. C. F. Dodge. 

The Methodist society was organized in 1812, and Rev. Seth Mat- 
teson was the first minister. Rev. A. Wrigley, is the present officiat- 
ing clergyman. 

The Presbyterian society was organized in 1828. Rev. C. K. Mc- 
Harg has for a number of years kindly supplied their pulpit. 

The following is a list of those now in business here : 

Physicians — Dr. John K. Leaning, A. A. Jones. 

Merchants — Badger & Son, F. H. Robinson, D. Sibley. 

Furniture and Blacksmithing — S. S. Alger. 

Boots and Shoes — A. B. Coats, J. Lenegar. 

Foundry and Machine Shop — 0. D. Niles. 

Machine Shop — Wm. Shepherd. 

Hardware and Tin — H. E. Jones. 

Wagons and Sleighs — Wm. Russell. 

Hotel — Chas A. Waffle. J. k. l. 

PIERSTO WN. 

This neighborhood was settled cotemporaneously with Cooperstown, 
and its people have always been closely identified with the village and 
its interests. It lies on the west side of Otsego Lake, and extends 
from Leatherstocking Falls north about three miles to the north line 
of the Cooper Patent. Its first occupants were emigrants from Con- 
necticut and Massachusetts. The twenty-one lots, called in some of 
the deeds the "Great Barrington Purchase," comprises Pierstown 
j)roper ; but at this time it is common to designate as Pierstown all 
the territory north of Cooperstown whose inhabitants make the village 
their place of trade. 

For nearly the whole of the first decade the settlers almost if not 
qaite equaled in number those of the village. During this period 
mills were built at the falls, and the log houses began to be replaced 
by frame dwellings. The century just closed since the first settlers 



HISTORV OF COOPERSTOWK 215 

pitched their tents here, has witnessed the building at various points 
and at different periods, three sawmills, thre-e grist mills and a carding 
machine on the stream of v/ater that flows over Leatherstocking Falls. 
There have been at different places, five taverns, three stores, two tan- 
neries, four blacksmith shops two asheries, a pottery, a brewery, a 
wagon shop, a lead pipe factory, and several weavers' shops. The busi- 
ness in none of these industries or employments is carried on here at 
the present time. A dilapidated old blacksmith shop alone remains, 
where occasionally is heard the sound of the hammer on the anvil, as 
the more than three-score-and-ten blacksmith strikes the feeble blow. 

It is not to be inferred from this that dilapidation and decay mark 
the place ; on the contrary the onward march of improvement is seen. 
Where the "mower whet his scythe at 5 o'clock in the morning," is 
heard the rattle of the mowing machine ; the echo of the flail on 
the threshing-floor is silenced by the hum of the threshing machine ; 
steam and water power in the large manufacturing towns, producing 
every variety of textile goods and farm tools of all kinds, have caused 
the weaver to lay aside his shuttle, and the ring of the blacksmith's 
hammer here to cease and "mills do not grind with water that has 
passed." Nevertheless, in no part of the town are there more thrifty 
farmers, with better or more substantial buildings than here. No one 
who drives along this street in summer who is not impressed with the 
beauty which environs him, the tidiness of the dwellings, the richly 
cultivated fields of grain, the waving grass, and pastures dotted with 
herds of grazing cattle. 

Many of the persons who were among the first to take up land here, 
are only known by tradition, or as their names appear on record, or 
are given to parcels of land, viz : David Cully, Joseph Culver. .-Vsher 
Strong. Amasa Woodruff, Samuel Hough, Moses Root, Grant Miller, 
Wade, Simonds, Landou and others. The "Hough lot," "Wade lot," 
*' Wade's Point," (now Three Mile Point,) are instances. Wade and 
Landon were merchants in Cooperstown, and tiie former had an ash- 
ery on the creek where the road crosses it. The lot at the falls was 
known as the "Smith Mill lot," Stephen Smith having built the first 
mill erected at that point. In 1 794 the place was deeded to Stephen 
Lee and John Williams, who held possession till 18 |(), when it was 
sold to Samuel Johnson, and from that date, except a very limited 
time, it remained in possession of the Johnson family until 1886, when 
it was sold by the grandson Edward Johnson to Walter Langdon, of 
Hyde Park. N. Y. 

One of the small nun»ber who settled here in 178'!, wasEzekiel Kel- 
logg, whose deed beare date June 15, of that year — he with his family 
having reached here in March preceding, frotn (ireat Harrington, Mas- 



216 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

sachusetts. His brother-in-law, Darius Warren, came the same or fol- 
lowing year. The hardships and sufferings experienced by them were 
great, as there were no mills nearer than C'anajoharie, to which place 
they at times carried grain on their shoulders to be ground, follow- 
ing a trail by marked trees. In Mr. Kellogg 's account book is an en- 
try of date of 1788, against Mr. Warren, "by three days going to mill." 

Mr. Kellogg built the first sawmill erected on that creek He was 
an expert mechanic, as appears from the great variety of articles of 
wood-work charged in his accounts, also, a weaver of home-made cloth 
of many kinds. He had a family of eight children, six of whom lived 
to mature age, four of whom lived and died in the neighborhood, at 
the ages of 67, 91, 80 pid 70 years — average 77. The sons Tracy and 
John were farmers and natural mechanics, ready workers at carpentry 
of all kinds ; Charles was a blacksmith. The two sons by his first 
wife, (Mr. K. was twice married,) Wells and Silas, removed, the for- 
mer to Ohio, the latter to St. Lawrence county, N, Y., where they 
spent their days. Mr. Kellogg died in 1823, aged 75, and his widow 
in 1838, aged 82. They were Presbyterians and regular in church 
attendance. The homestead of this venerable couple still remains in 
the possession of their descendants, and the century of occupation of 
it since it was first entered upon, is to be celebrated by a gathering 
there of their descendants, in August, 1886. 

Darius Warren, when he came here with his wife and two children, 
the youngest, Julius, fifteen months old, was brought on horseback 
in his mother's arms from Canajoharie, through the woods, with a 
line of marked trees to guide them on their way. They stopped with 
Ezekiel Kellogg till a log hut could be built, which was located near 
the brook, on the farm now owned by his grandson Willard 0. War- 
ren, it never having passed from the possession of the Warren family. 
Mr. Warren's father and mother afterward came to live with him, and 
from limited supplies, he was led to say "he was sorry he had brought 
them into the woods to starve," having on one occasion gone to Cana- 
joharie, nearly 30 miles, and bought a bushel of wheat, had it ground, 
and brought it home on his back He brought up a family of seven 
children, three sons and four daughters. The sons were all farmers 
and lived on the homestead and on lands adjoining it — Russell on the 
homestead, Cyrenus next, (the farm only two years since passing out 
of possession of the Warren family.) and Julius on the farm now 
owned by his son Kendrick. Three of the daughters married and had 
families — Philotha, Lydia and Lucretia. The other, (Charlotte, passed 
her days on the homestead till her death at the age of 85. Philotha, 
for many years lived at the homestead, and died there aged 83. Lydia 
died at the age of 64, and Lucretia aged 90. Cyrenus died at the age 



HISTORV OF COOPERSTOWN. 217 

of 79, Julius 80, Russell 83 — agu'regate years of the seven r)()4 ; average 
80^. Temperate habits and frugal living are evidently conducive to 
long life. All but one were professed christians and church members. 

About 1794 the Clark family came to Pierstown, which consisted 
of seven sons — Jared, Simon, Abel, Solomon, Ambrose, Cyrus and 
Cyrenus — two daughters had previously settled here, being the wives 
of Ezekiel Kellogg and Darius Warren. The mother of these Clarks 
was a widow, who married Zebulon Metcalf, a widower with a family 
in which were four sons — Arunah, Roger, Tracy and Charles — who 
came from Connecticut, and settled on the hill adjoining Pierstown 
on the west — the four sons afterward became owners of farms adjoin- 
ing each other, hence the name Metcalf Hill, although no one of that 
name now resides there. 

The Clark brothers who settled in Pierstown, were Ambrose, Solo- 
mon, and Abel. Cyrus and Cyrenus (twins) settled on the brick house 
farm a short distance south from Cooperstown : previous to that they 
lived in the village. Solomon lived on the farm next to Kellogg 's on 
the south, where he died in 1814. His widow — a daughter of John 
Williams, sen. — lived a widow more than fifty years, occupying the 
farm till her death at the age of 92. 

Ambrose Clark, who for a short period occupied the farm afterward 
owned by Julius Warren, finally settled on the farm now owned by 
Rufus Wikoff. He was noted for his probity and uprightness, and 
having held the office of Surrogate for five years from 1808, he was 
afterward often consulted in the settlement of estates, his experience 
and good judgment being considered of much value. He was also a 
Justice of the Peace. The last years of his life were spent in Fort 
Plain, where he died at an advanced age. Mr. Clark had a family of 
eight — six sons and two daughters. Perhaps no family in the county 
of Otvsego engaged more in political matters and received as much po- 
litical advancement as this one. Of the six sons, four learned the 
})rinting business — Justin, Israel, Harry and Ambrose. The first two 
were apprentices in the office of the Otsego Herald, published by Kli- 
hu Phinney, sen., Harry, probably with his brother Justin, and Am- 
brose in the office of the Watch Tower, published by K. B. Crandal. 

Justin (Hark established the first newspaper printed in Susquehan- 
na county, Pa., and it was published at Montrose. He died in 1822. 
at the early age of 27. Harry also died in early manhood. Israel 
|:)ublished the Watch Tower in Cooperstown. from 1814 to 1817, and 
afterward went to Albany and published the Albany Register, and 
gave Thurlow Weed the foremanship. Mr. Weed in his autobiogra- 
])hy says : "Here I was permitted to try my ' 'prentice hand' on edito- 
rials." He died at the home of Mr. Weed, in Rochester, while on a 



218 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

political tour in that part of the State in behalf of Gov. Clinton, leav- 
ing a childless wid w. 

Ambrose W. Clark, the only one of the family living, was for sever- 
al years editor and proprietor of the Otsego Republican, and subse- 
quently published a paper in Lewis county. He became a resident 
of Watertown, Jefferson county, and was twice elected to Congress, 
and was appointed Minister to Chili, during Lincoln's administration. 

Julius Clark lived and died in Connecticut. He was a "worthy son 
of a worthy sire," and was once elected Lieutenant Governor. 

Jared Clark, the only one of the six brothers that followed farming, 
died in Chenango county, leaving a wirlow, but no children. The wid- 
ow is living, in her 9()th year, a pensioner, her husband having been a 
soldier o: the war of 1812. 

Abel Clark, for a time lived in a log house on the west end of the 
Kellogg farm, and finally settled on the farm now owned by Cornelius 
Van Home, first deeded to Grant Miller in 1793 as the west end of lot 
No. 10. In addition to farming, he carried on tanning, currying and 
shoemaking. Mr. Clark was born in 1765, was the father of eleven 
children, only one of whom is living, Joseph L Clark, who has been 
engaged in hardware business in New York the past fifty years. Of 
the other sons, Sherman was a shoemaker, Erastus a tanner, Daniel 
a clerk to the Phinneys, died in his youth, Daniel 2d became a lawyer. 
This was a Presbyterian family, and as was then the orthodox custom, 
"kept" Saturday night, and Sunday night the customary labor of the 
week-day nights was done. The eldest daughter married Miner Par- 
shall, who lived and died in Pierstowu. One of his sons. William, is a 
hardware merchant in Syracuse, doing an extensive business ; John A., 
a printer, has been employed in the Delaware Gazette office forty -seven 
years, and the Gazette has occupied the same room during that time. 

Isaac Williams, Jr., was born in Goshen, Conn., in 1 777, and at the 
age of 16 emigrated to Pierstown with his grandfather Isaac Williams 
and his father John Williams. He drove an ox team loaded with 
household goods, trudging barefoot beside it the long weary way. In 
1796, in his 20th year, he married Elisheba Kellogg, in her 17th year, 
only daughter of Ezekiel Kellogg. He received from his father an ax 
and a hoe as an outfit — emblems of the law that bread is to be earned 
by the sweat of the brow. He commenced work for himself in the 
mills then known as Smith mills. He was the first occupant of a 
house at the falls, and lived there till the mills were sold to Samuel 
Johnson in 1806. In 1810 he purchased of William Stevens the tav- 
ern stand and farm next south of the farm now owned by Cornelius 
Van Home. In that year he was appointed Under Sheriff, and moved 
to (yooperstown. In February, 181 1, he was appointed Sheriff by the 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 219 

State Council of Appointment. Tn 1813 he was elected to Congress 
at a special election held to fill a vacancy cause by the death of Will- 
iam Dowse, who died before taking the oath of office. The certificate 
of election was given to his opponent John M. Bowers, the county 
canvassers not allowing the votes of one town to Mr. Williams because 
of the omission in the return of the "Jr." The facts were certified to 
Congress, and the House decided that Mr. Bowers was not entitled to 
the seat he occupied, and it was given to Mr. AVilliams. He was again 
elected in 1817 and in 1823. He was a great reader, and took a lively 
interest in political affairs, always voting at elections. He died in 
1860, in the 84th year of his age. 

His brothers, Ozias, John, Joseph and Stephen, were all farmers. 
The last two left Piers^own early in this century, Joseph settling in 
Susquehanna county, Penn., where he was elected sheriif, clerk, mem- 
ber of Assembly, and also to various town offices. Ozias for a num- 
ber of years occupied the farm on which his father first settled, and af- 
terward owned the farm where Ambrose Clark lived. The last few 
years of his life were spent in Mohawk, where he died at the age of 85. 
John, though serving an apprenticeship at shoemaking, became a hard- 
working, substantial farmer, was thrice married, and was laid beside 
these help-mates at the age of 80 years. 

The Pier family, from whom the place takes it name, consisted of 
six brothers — Solomon, David. John, Abner, Silas and Levi. The last 
two did not tarry here many years. Solomon was the first occupant 
of the brick-house farm, in 1786, and there, besides clearing land, made 
pottery-ware. His stay here was limited to a few years, when he re- 
moved to a distant part of the State. 

David Pier occupied the most northerly lot of the "Pierstown tract," 
where he spent his days, farming, and for many years keeping tavern. 
His son Ephraim succeeded him, and was a man of unusual energy and 
noted for the accomplishment of great day's work. He was a skilled 
oarsman and renowned as a fisherman. 

John Pier occupied the farm next north of the Warren farm until 
his death, and his widow married Lemuel Woodhouse. His son He- 
man Pier was one of the most noted for his eccentricities; oddities and 
comicalities. He was a faithful follower of the silver rule, "do as you 
are done by." He was a warm-hearted, kind neighbor, ready to assist 
others in need of help, even to the neglect of his own work. He re- 
moved to Chenango county about 1 830, where he died. 

Abner Pier, is well remembered as one of the heroes of the Revo- 
hition. At the time of Brant's raid and massacre at Cherry Valley, 
he was tomahawked, scalped, and twice wounded. It has been under- 
stood that this took place at Cherry Valley, but a daughter-in-law, 



220 HISrORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 

now in her 88th year, says it occurred near Stone Arabia, Montgome- 
ry county. The seeming discrepancy is accounted for from the fact 
tiiat an Indian had Pier prisoner, and as Brant's order had been to 
take no jDrisoners, Brant in his retreat discovered Pier, and ordered the 
Indian to kill him. "He my prisoner!" said the Indian. "Kill him, 
or I'll kill you," returned Brant. The Indian turned and struck his 
prisoner with a tomahawk, shot and scalped him. He was shot again 

Jby a tory, who discovered signs of life, saying as he fired, "that d d 

Yankee isn't dead!" Notwithstanding all this, he was rescued, and 
nursed back into robust health. Conciousness was not entirely blotted 
out in that awful experience, and when speaking of it, he denounced 
the tories as more inhuman than the Indians. He lived to become 
the father of a family of eight children, and died about the year 1813. 
George Pier, his eldest son enlisted in the war of 1812, serving as a 
musician. He afterward became a famous Kent-bugle, fife and clar- 
ionet player and music teacher. He died in 1831, in his 37th year. 
His son Edwin Pier, and also his sons Erastus and Emerson, enlisted 
in the Union army, making four generations in a direct line who have 
served in the wars in defense of their country — a fact not of frequent 
occurrence. The widow of George Pier is a daughter of Isaac Will- 
iams, and is a pensioner under the law granting pensions to widows of 
soldiers in the war of 1812. There were several other grandsons of 
Abner Pier, the sons of Hiram, and Abner, Jr., who served in the 
Union army, but their names are not at hand to record A daughter 
of Abner, sen., is living at Addison, N. Y., in her 80th year. No one 
bearing the name of Pier is now a resident of Pierstown. 

Of the number of Revolutionary patriots who settled in Pierstown, 
and made it their home through life, perhaps no one was more highly 
esteemed or held a warmer place in the hearts of his neighbors tlian 
Capt. Seth Doubleday. He came to Pierstown in 1793, bought the 
east end of lot No. 17, on which he resided till his death. At the age 
of 15, then an apprentice to the weaver's trade, he availed himself of 
the law freeing apprentices if they would serve in the continental ar- 
my, and enlisted as a private and served three years. In this time he 
participated in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Br.indywine, Ger- 
mantown, and Monmouth, and was with Washington's army while in 
winter quarters at Morristown and Valley Forge. After his return 
from the army, he served the balance of his apprenticeship, and soon 
after reaching the age of 21 married Miss Barthena ('lark, and moved 
to New Lebanon. N. Y., about 1786, and resided there till 1793. He 
was the father of eight children. Of this number four married, and 
lived and died in Otsego — Amelia, Seth, Lewis, and Lester C, the lat- 
ter spending his days on the homestead. Seth, Jr., passed his days 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 221 

in Cooperstown, where he held the office of Postmaster, and was also 
a Justice of the Peace. Capt. Seth Doubleday, born in Lebanon, Ct., 
in 17G1, was one of a family of twenty-five children, (his father was 
married three times,) seventeen living to mature age. He was one of 
seven brothers who were soldiers of the Revolution, some of whom 
were victims of terrible suffering in the enemy's prison ships. The 
patriotism of the Doubledays did not die out with that generation. 
Three of Capt. Seth's grandsons were in the war for the Union, and 
also several of his grand-nephews ; among the number were Gen. Ab 
iier Doubleday, Fort Sumter's hero ; Gen. Ulysses F. Doubleday, who 
won his promotion on other fields, and Lieut. Ulysses Doubleday. w1k> 
was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., a brother of William 
A. Doubleday of Fierstown. 

Oliver Stephens, a lad of 18 summers, came with his brother-in- 
law Solomon Pier, for whom he worked, and with his earnings he 
bought the lot next south of the brick hovise farm, cleared the laud, 
and built the house and barn which are still standing, and where he 
lived till his death at the age of 58. His father and mother and five 
brothers— "William, Daniel, James, Jerry, (then spelled Jarah.) and 
Josiah— came here later. Daniel was in the Revolutionary war, was 
shot through the body while out scouting, being fired upon by Indi- 
ans lurking about Fort Stanwix. He managed to get to the river, 
crawled under the overhanging bank upheld by the roots of a tree. 
Before the Indians could find him to get his scalp, they were driven 
off by soldiers from the Fort, and he was rescued. He live:! a number 
of years, but his death was said to have resulted from the eftects of 
his wound. William kept the tavern on the place now occupied by 
Curtis Barnum. Jerry, a blacksmith, had his shop on the place now 
owned by Justin C. Willian»s. Jerry, James and Josiah early in 
the present century removed to Susquehanna county. Penn. 

There were other Revolutionary soldiers residents of Piefstown, 
whose history would be interesting could it be obtained— -Chauncey 
Newel, Samuel McKean, Capt. Isaac Williams, sen. Also soldiers 
of 1812 — -Jesse Teffl, Chauncey N. Chapman, and others. 

James Allen, a Scotchman, was quite a noted character in I*iers- 
town. He came to this country in 1801 , and seeking the Scotch set- 
tlement then forming in Burlington, stopped at Cooperstown, where 
he found an opening for his trade as a mason, and became the em- 
ployee of Judge Cooper as master mason in building the stone house 
on the corner of Main and River streets. During this period he 
became well acquainted with the Cooper boys, and was particularly 
friendly with Richard. In after years, when Mr. Allen had pur- 
chased the farm now owned by his nephew James Allen, Richard 



222 HISTORY OF C00PER8T0WK 

Cooper, in one of his visits there, went to a spring on the farm and 
then after eating an apple, turned over a sod with the heel of his 
boot and planted the core, saying : "There. James, when that seed 
grows and becomes a tree look upon the fruit and think of Dick 
Cooper." Although 80 years have passed, the tree remains in full 
vigor and is known as the Cooper tree. Mr. Allen was a dogmatic 
Scotch Presbyterian , and is introduced in Fenimore Cooper's "Wyan- 
dotte or the Hutted K-noll," as "Jamie Allen, the Scotch Mason," 
holding theological discussions with other characters in that work- 
He was remarkable for his accuracy in leveling and plumbing, using 
the level or plumb only occasionally, so trained was his eye. Judge 
Cooper at times would delight to rouse the ire of the Scotchman , and 
would displace a stone, and await discovery, but at a safe distance, 
for the trowel was a formidable weapon in the hands of the irate 
Scotchman. Then at the solicitation of the Judge, all hands would 
go over to the log tavern and share a bottle of wine. 

Very early in the present century, Steven Fitch became the owner 
of the farm originally settled by Solomon Pier, and built the brick 
house, kept tavern and a store. He had a family of six sons — Buck- 
ingham, Aaron, Isaac, Zadock, Abijah. and Jonathan. Five of the 
six, at different periods became residents of Cooperstown. Bucking- 
ham kept a grocery store on the northwest corner of what are now 
known as Main and Pioneer streets ; Isaac kept the hotel now known 
as the "Central," and Aaron was the proprietor of the one at present 
known as "Carr's Hotel," which the widow kept for a number of 
years after his death, and was known as the "Widow Fitch" hotel. 
Jonathan kept a bakery, and Zadock spent the last years of his life 
in Cooperstown a retired farmer. The other brother became a resi- 
dent of Auburn, and one of its most prominent citizens. 

The location of the mills and other establishments on the creek in 
Pierstown was as follows : The first gristmill was built by Stephen 
Smith, below the falls ; the second is snpposed to have been built by 
John Williams, which after his death was sold with the farm to 
Samuel Johnson in 1806, It stood a few rods west of the old mill 
building now standing, which was built by Geo. W. Johnson. It has 
not been used as a mill for a number of years— the stream which in 
former times furnished water sufficient to run the mill at all seasons 
having become in summer time but a little rill. On the brink of the 
falls a sawmill was kept up till the failure of the water. A short dis- 
tance up the stream a carding machine was built by Johnson, and 
some seasons Joseph Perkins had it charge, his sign, painted on the 
fence, read, "Wool carded by Jo !" The building was afterward used 
by Caleb Thayer in the manufacture of lead aqueduct pipe. Still 



HISTORY OF C00PER8TOWN. 223 

farther up the creek on the premises now owned by Widow Brainard, 
Roswell Peabody had a tannery, and also a shoe shop. On the Kel- 
logg farm was built the first sawmill on the creek ; on the brick house 
farm the first occupant, Solomon Pier, made pottery. AVhere the 
l-oad crosses the creek, near Cornelius Van Home's, on the west bank 
stood Norman La.nd(3n's ashery. On the other side of the road Abel 
Clark had his tannery, barkmill, shoemaker's shop, &c. Nothing re- 
mains to tell of any of tliese places except -the old gristmill at the 
falls. A sawmill built by B. S. Howe at a later date, stood on the 
lake shore, the water of the creek being conveyed to it by a race- 
way across a neck of land. Near by on the creek stood a building 
occupied by Charles Thurston as a turning shop, and afterward by 
others it was made a shingle mill ; the place was called "Noggin town. ' 
Samuel Wood, a famous augur-maker, worked many years in a little 
shop at the Johnson mills, boarding with Johnson's family. After- 
ward he occupied a place on Fenimore farm, where his shop was des- 
troyed by fire. Samuel Johnson, besides carrying on milling busi- 
ness, was a wagon-maker. His shop was located in the triangular 
piece of gTound in front of his dwelling, the road to the mill from 
the north passing between the shop and house. 

About 1816 David Patten, a native of Scotland, built a brewery 
near the source of the creek, on the road leading over "Rum Hill." 
Geo. T. Dalphin was afterward proprietor, and rebuilt it, and the 
business was continued till his death, which occurred not far from 
1840. The building is yet standing. Adjoining these premises Ja- 
cob Gates kept a tavern, a small store, had an ashery, also a black- 
smith shop, where quite a business was carried on making axes, with 
a grindstone near by, driven by water, to grind them. The brewery 
premises are now owned by a descendant of Mr. Patten, and the Gates 
property— the old tavern stand, store, &c.— is owned by Richard Van 
Home. Mr. Gates was proprietor of one of the two lines of stages 
between Cooperstown and Richfield Springs, which ran in opposition 
one summer, through Pierstown past his places of business. 



m HISTORY OF OOOPBUSTOVvN. 



THE COUNTY OF OTSEGO. 



The county of Otsego was set off from Montgomery in 1791, and 
Oooperstown designated .as the county seat. A part of Schoharie 
was taken off in 1795, and a part of Delaware in 1797. The county 
as at first organized comprised only two towns — Cherry Valley and 
Otsego. As the population increased other towns were formed, as 
follows : 

Burlington was formed from the town of Otsego in 1792. It re- 
tained it original dimensions until 1797, when Pittsfield was set off 
and in 1808 it lost the territory comprising Edmeston. Settlements 
Were made in Burlington as early as 1790. 

BuTTEKNUTTS was formed from the town of TJnadilla, February 5. 
1796. In 1849 the town was divided, and the present town of Morris 
created. First settlement was in 1786, and large tracts of land now 
embraced v/ithin the town were purchased and located in 1787. 

The principal village, Gilbertsville, has suffered severely from fires : 
That of 1866, when a large part of the business portion of the village 
Was destroyed, and the more disastrous conflagration of 1874. The 
Gilbertsville Academy and Collegiate Institute located here was 
erected in 1839, and opened for scholars in 1840. 

C^HERRY Valley, "the historic town of Otsego," was formed from 
the town of Canajoharie, Montgomery county, in 1791. In 1797, 
Middlefield, Springfield and Worcester were created from its terri- 
tory, and in 1854 Koseboom was set off. It was settled as early as 
1740, and rapidly advanced in population and importance until the 
massacre of 1778, which for a short time checked the growth and 
prosperity of the town and village. The Cherry Valley Academy, 
which had for many years a very high standing among institutions 
of learning, was founded in 1796. The village of (Jherry Valley was 
incorporated in 1812. 

Decatur was formed from Worcester in 1808, is watered by the 
two creeks, tributaries of the Schenevus. Was first settled about 
1790. 

Edmeston was formed from the town of Burlington in 1808. Was 
first settled about 1770 by persons sent to locate and improve the 
tract of land oranted to ( 'Olonel E(lm<^ston. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOW]^. 225 

ExTKTER was formed from tlie town of Richfield in 1709. The 
surface is generally hilly, soil is good and well adapted to grazing. 
Was first permanently settled about 1789. On the place subsequent- 
ly known as the "Herkimer farm'' a small improvement had been 
made prior to the Revolution. 

Hartwick was formed from the town of Otsego in 1802. Derived 
its name from John Christopher Hartwig or Hartwick, who on the 
29th day of May, 1752, received from the Indians a deed of land em- 
bracing nearly the Avhole territory of the present town. Wa-s fii-st 
settled about 1790. 

Laurens was formed from the town of Otego in 1810. Was first 
•settled in 1773, Joseph Mayall being the first white settler. He Wcis 
followed in 1774 by John Sleeper, a Quaker preacher, who built the 
first grist and saw mill in the town. 

JMaryi.axd was formed from the town of Worcester in 1808. AVas 
first settled in 1790, in the locality now known as the Maryland sta- 
tion. Its princi]>al village, Schenevus, has become, since the building 
■of the Albany *.l^ Susquehanna Railroad, one of the leading villages 
on the line of the road. 

MiDDLEFiELD was fotmed from the old town of Cherry Valley in 
1797 ; the territory was known in R<3volutionary days as "Newtown 
Martin." Was first settled about 1760, and a veiy large proportion 
of its early settlers served in the Revolutionary struggle. 

MiLFORD was formed from the town of Unadilla in 179(1, and 
named "Suffrage." Name was changed t'O Milford in 1800. Settle- 
ments were begun in this town before the Revolution, but the border 
wars caused them to be abandoned, and first permanent settlement 
was made iai 1783. 

Morris was formed from the town of Butt«rniut« in 1849. The 
first settlement was made about the year 1770. A considerable 
number of tlie early settlers of Morris were refugees from France, 
and settleti soon after the beginning of the Fi'ench revolution. 

New Lisbon — U^wn the organi-zation of (^ego county in 1791, 
the territory embra<xid in the present town of New lisbon comprised 
a portion of the town of Otsego. In 1792 it was embniceti in the 
town of Burlington. In 1797 it was set off* from Burlington as 
Pittsfield, and in 180(i was organized as Lisbon, hi 1808 tJie name 
was changed to New Lisbon. Was first settled about 1773. 

Oneonta — l\e territory comprised within the present boundaries 
>f Oneonta was set oft" from Unadilla in 1 79(5, as Otego; name was 

■15 



226 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 

changed to Oneonta in 1830. The village df Oneonta is the largest 
village of the county, and rapidly growing in wealth and importance. 

Otego was organized from towns of Franklin and Unadilla in 
1822, as Huntsville. Name was changed to Otego in 1830. The 
settlement of the town commenced soon after the close of tlie Revo- 
lution, and as early as 1787. 

Otsego was organized as a part of Montgomery county in 1788. 
As originally formed, it included, in addition to its present territory, 
all that embraced within the bounds of Richfield, Plainfield, Exeter, 
Burlington, Edmeston, Hartwick, New Lisbon, Pittsfield, Milford, 
Laurens, Morris, Oneonta, Butternuts and Unadilla, and parts of other 
towns. The settlement of the town was commenced as early as 1786. 

Pittsfield was formed from the town of Burlington in 1797, being 
the tenth town erected after the organization of the county. In 
1806 the present town of New Lisbon was set off. Was first settled 
about 1793. 

Plainfield was formed from the town of Richfield in 1799. Was 
first settled in 1793, and though occupying an isolated position, was 
about as rapidly settled as any of the adjoining towns. 

Richfield was formed from the town of Otsego in 1792, and is the 
extreme northern town of the county. The most distinguishing fea- 
ture of the town is its rich mineral waters which abound so exten- 
sively near the northern extremity of Canadarago lake. Was first 
settled about 1758. The village of Richfield Springs dates its birth 
as a watering place to the year 1820, at which time Dr. Manley 
bought the land embracing what is now the Manley spring on the 
grounds of the Spring House, and prepared the spring for public use. 
The village has a healthy growth. 

RosEBOOM was formed from the town of Cherry Valley in 1854, 
and named in honor of Abram Roseboom. This was the last town 
organized in the county. The first settlement was made about 1800. 

Springfield was formed from the town of Cherry Valley in 1797. 
Was first settled in the year 1762. In 1778, Brant came to Spring- 
field with a party of Indians, burned the buildings, and carried away 
several male prisoners as captives. The women and children were 
left uninjured. This invasion put a stop to further settlement for 
several years, but the town was rapidly settled after the Revolution. 
It is now one of the finest farming regions in the State. 

UNADn.LA was one of the three towns first formed after the organ- 
ization of the county, being set oft" from Otsega in 1792. The town& 



BISTORV OF COOPERSTOWJ^. 227 

of Butternuts, Suffrage (now Milford,) and Otego (now Oneonta,) 
in 1796, Huntsville (now Otego,) in 1822, were taken from Unadilla, 
and a small portion was added to Butternuts in 1857. It was first 
settled about 1790. 

Westford was formed from the town of Worcester in 1808. It 
was first settled about the year 1790. In 1793 many settlements 
were made, and by the year 1800 the town was quite well peopled, 
the settlers largely coming from New England. 

Worcester was formed from the town of Cherry Valley in 1797, 
and embraced, in addition to its present territory, the towns of 
Maryland, Decatur and Westford, set off in 1808. The first settle- 
ments were made soon after the Revolution, in about the year 1788. 

PRESENT COUNTY OFFICERS. 

County Judge — George Scramling. 

Surrogate — Albert C. Tennant. 

district Attorney — Clarence L. Barber. 

Justices of Sessions— Seymour Scott, Smith S, Sheldon. 

County Clerk — George Van Horn. 

Sheriff— Olcott AlcOedy. 

Treasurer — Edwin S. Bundy. 

School Commissioners — Theodore L. Grout, Daniel Washburn. 

Superintendent of Poor — Horace Sliter. 

Coroners — Charles E Parrish, Maryland, Cyrus E. Stebbins, 
Morris, Benjamin A. Church, Oneonta. John K. Leaning, Fly Creek. 

Loan (commissioners — H. M. Hooker, Cooperstown, W. H. Parker, 
Otego. 

Members of Assembly — Lowell S. Henry, Schuyler's Lake, Frank 
B. Arnold, Unadilla. 

County Judges from the organization of the county until 1880. 
They were first made elective in 1846 : 



William Cooper, 


1791 


Samuel S. Bowne, 


1851 


Joseph White, 


1800 


Levi C. Turner, 


1855 


John C'. Morris, 


1823 


*Edwin M. Harris, 


1862 


(^eorge Morell, 


1-827 


Elijah E. Ferry, 


1863 


James 0. Morse, 


1832 


Hczekiah Sturges, 


1867 


Jabez I). Hammond, 


1838 


Samuel S. Edick, 


1871 


Charles C. Noble, 


1843 


Samuel A. Bowen, 


1877 


James Hyde, 


1847 


George Scramling, 


1883 



•Appointed to fill vacancy. Turner "resigning. 



228' 



mSTOKY OF COOPERSTOWK 



Sheriffs, under tlie first constitution, were appointed annuallyv 
and no person could hold tlie office for more tfean four jears in suC" 
cession ; 



Richard R, Smith, 
Beajamin Gilbert, 
Samuel Dixon, 
Benjamin Gilbert,. 
Uriah Luce, 
Benjamin Gilbert, 
Solomon Martin, 
Arunah Met calf , 

Under the Constitution 
elective and limited to one 
Joseph B. Walton, 
John H. Hiser, 
Harvej W. Babcock, 
Don F. Herri ek, 
Levi Jiidson, 
Halsey Spencer^. 
Henry Jones, 
Amos Winsor, 
John Brown, 
Jonas Platner; 
Seth H. Field, 



1791 Benjamin Gilbert, 1810 

1792 Isajac Williams, Jr., 1811 

1793 William Spragtfe, 1813 

1794 James Hawks, 1815 

1798 Paschal Franchot, 1819 

1799 Seti Chase, 1820 
1802 Joseph B. Walton, 1821 
180& 

of 1821 the office of Sheriff w^ madp 
term of three years : 

1822 Harmon Edmunds, 1854 

1825 Thomas Heath, 1857 

1828 Andrew A. Mathen I860 

1831 Wm. Comstock, 1863 

1834 Harvey W. Brown, 1866 

1837 Daniel Franklin, 1869 

1840 Alexander N, Benedict, 1872 

1842 Peter Barton, 1875 

1845 James F. Clark. 1878 

1848 John Kelly, 1881 

1851 Olcott MeCredy, 1884 



County Clerks have held office as f ollo>ws. They were first elected 
in 1822 : 



Jacob Morris, 1791 

John Riassell, 1801 

Francis Henry, 1813 

George Morell, 1815 

William Nichols,. 1821 

William Nichols, 1822 

Edward B. Crandal, 1825 

Abner Cook, Jr., 1828 

Horace Lathrop, 1831 

George C. Clyde, 1 834 

Jesse Rose, 1837 

Samuel Russell, 1840 

George B. Wilson, 1843 

Charles McLean, 1846 
* Appointed vice Lidell, who died 



Samuel North, 1849 

Wm. C, Field, 1852 

George W. Ernst, 1855 

Augustus R. El wood, 1858 

David A. Avery, 1861 

Don. F. Lidell, 1864 
"'^John Marsh ,- 

Stephen Estes, 1866- 

E. Delavan Hills, 1869 

Walter H. Bunn, 1872' 

Walter H. Bunn, 1875 

Fayette L. Gilbert, 1878^ 

George Van Horn, 1881 

George Van Horn, 1884^ 
Ju]y4,186«. 



HISTORY OF GOOFERSTOWN. '229 

Surrogates were appointed for an unlimited period until made 
elective by the constitution of 1846. I'hey have served as follows : 
James Cannon, 1791 George A. Starkweather, 1833 

Moss Kent, 17M James Brackett, 1841 

Philip Yandeveer, 1804 .Schuyler Crippen, 1845 

-Ferdinand Vandeveer, 1805 Hiram Kinne, 1847 

-Ambrose Clark, 1808 Thomas Mcintosh, Jr., 1855 

Bille Williams, Jr., 1813 Edward M. Card. 18f)5 

Ambrose L. Jordan, 1815 Byron J. Scofield, 1867 

Nathaniel Fenton, 1818 Jmnes II. Keyes, 1877 

William G. Angel, 1821 Albert 0- Tennant, 1883 

Elisha Foote, 1824 

District Attorneys, under the first constitutions, aiid until the 
constitution of 1846, were appointed by the Court of General Ses- 
sions in each county, and the api:>ointments in Otsego were as follows: 
Ambrose L. Jordan, 1818 Louis K Bundy, 1853 

Kobert Campbell, 1820 Edwin Countryman, 1859 

Samuel Chase, 1821 Jaiues A. Lynes, 1862 

E.B.Morehouse, 1829 Samuel S Edick, 1865 

Schuyler Crippen, 1837 Samuel A. Bowen, 1871 

John B. Steele, 1845 Philor Benedict, 1877 

Dewitt C. Bates, ' 1847 Robert M. Townsend, 1880 

Elijah Brown, 1850 Clarence L. Barber, 1883 

County 'J^rp^asurers, — Previous to the present Constitution the 
office was filled under appointment by the Board of Supervisors. 
For about 30 years previous to 1848, the oflice was held by Henry 
Phinney, who succeeded his father P^lihu Phinney, and who was 
probably the first Treasurer of the County. Papei« dated 1797 are 
on file made out by him as Treasurer. The office has been held by 
the following persons by election : John L. McXamee, Cha's J. Still- 
man, Edwin M. Harris, Dorr Russell, James I. Hendryx, Horace 
Lathrop, David A. Avery, Marcus Field, Frederick L. Palmer. J. 
Fred Reustle, Edwin S. Bundy, • 

School Commissioners. — Since this office was made elective in 
1856, the following persons have been elected in the districts of Ot- 
sego, as follows : 1st District — Albert G. 'i'uthill, Nelson 0. Wendell, 
Chas. F. Thompson, Julius R. Thompson. Chas. F. Thompson — two 
trrms, Nahum T, Brown, Albert G. 'i'uthill, Theodore li. (irout. 2d 
District — Milo H. Gross, Henry T. Harris. Martin Shepherd. William 
(/hurch, Henry R Washlxjn, Benj. C. (^lardner. Eli R. Clinton. Jr., 
Warren Ij. Baker, Edward E, Bcals, .Abi-am G. Miller, I'hiletus P. 
Bentley, Daniel Washburn. 



230 HISTORY OF GOOPERSTOWN. 

Congressmen. — The Representatives from Otsego, from the forma- 
tion of the government until now, have been : 

Wm. Cooper, 4th and 6th Sherman Page, 23d, 24th 

John Russell, 9th and 10th John H. Prentiss, 25th, 26th 
Arunah Metcalf, 12th Samuel S. Bowne, 27th 

*Wm. Dowse, 13th Jeremiah E. Cary, 28th 

fJohn M. Bowers, 13th Geo. A. Starkweather, 30th 

Isaac Williams, Jr., 1 3th, 1 6th William W. Snow, 32d 

and 18th George W. Chase, 33d 

Joseph Lyman, 16th Oliver A. Morse, 35th 

James Hawks, 17th Richard Franchot, 37th 

W. G. Angell, 19th, 21st, 22d W"m. C. Fields, 40th 

Samuel Chase, ^ 20th David Wilber, 43d, 46th 

*Died before taking the oath of office. fSeat contested and decid- 
ed in favor of Williams. 

Five of this number were twice elected, viz : Messrs. Cooper, Rus- 
sell, Page, Prentiss and Wilber. Two others, Williams and Angell, 
served three terms each. 

Blectoks.— Previous to 1825, the Legislature chose the Presidential 
Electors. At the election in 1828, they were chosen by Congressional 
Districts, and by an act of the legislature of 1829, the present general 
ticket system was established. The following is the list of those 
from Otsego county : 



Thomas Brooks, 


1804 


Peter Collier, 


1832 


Thomas Shankland, 


1808 


Joshua Babcock, 


1836 


John Russell, 


1812 


Jacob Livingston, 


1840 


Israel W. Clark, 


1816 


Lemuel Pattengill, 


1844 


Farrand Stranahan, 


1820 


Lyman J. Walworth, 


1852 


Edward B. Crandal, 


1824 


Ebenezer Blakeley, 


1864 


Elkanah Brush, 


1828 


Edmund A. Ward, 


1876 



Other Officiai.s. — State Officers chosen from Otsego Counti/. — Levi 
S. Chatfield, Attorney General ; Samuel North and Hezekiah Sturges, 
Canal Appraisers ; Wm. Campbell and Jabez D. Hammond, Regents 
of University ; Ebenezer Blakeley, State Assessor ; W^illiam H. 
Averell, Bank Commissioner. 

State Sejialors from Otsego county : Jabez D. Hammond, Farrand 
Stranahan, Stukeley Ellsworth, Levi Beardsley, Sumner Ely, David 
H. Little, Harmon Bennett, Francis M. Rotch, Addison M. Smith, 
Geo. H. Andrews, Adam Storing. Augustus R. Elwood, David P. 
Loomis, Samuel S. Edick, Andrew Davidson. 

Delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1821 : Joseph I'lyde, 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 281 

Rausom Hunt, Win. Park, David Tripp, Martin Van Buren, (Van 
Buren was a resident of Albany county.) (Jonvention of 1846 : Levi 
S. Chatfield, Samuel Nelson, David B..St. John. 

Judicial. — Circuit Judge, Samuel Nelson ; Justices of Supreme 
Court, Eben B. Morehouse, Schuyler Crippen, Wm. W. Campbell 
and Edwin Countryman. 

OTSEGO COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY. 

This was organized March 7th, 1813, by Jacob Morris, John Smith, 
George Pomeroy, Isaac Cooper, Ralph Worthington, Hinkley Walker, 
John Luce, John H. Prentiss. Seth (^ook, James Averell, Jr.. John 
F. Ernst and Henry Jones, in the school house of the village of ('oop- 
erstown. It was legally incorporated on the 10th of the same month. 

First officers. — Rev. Daniel Nash, president ; Rev. Andrew Oliver, 
1st vice-president ; Rev. Klli F. T'ooley, 2d vice-president ; Rev. John 
Smith, corresponding secretary ; Rev. Henry Jones, recording secre- 
tary ; George Pomeroy, treasurer. 

Managers. — Jacob Morris, Rev. W. Colton, William (-ampbell, Cal- 
vin Hurlburt, Thomas Fuller, Elisha Foote, Isaac Cooper, Rev. Mr. 
Bostwick, Abraham Lippett. 

This Society appointed Rev. Andrew Oliver of Springfield, Rev. 
Eli F. (Jooley of Cherry Valley, and Mr. James Fenimore Cooper of 
this village as delegates to co-operate with others in the formation of 
the American Bible Society in 1816. By this fact it is seen that the 
former is the older Society. In June. 1816, it became auxiliary to the 
American Bible Society, and still continues such. 

Its present officers are : Rev. Mr. Sanborn, president ; Hon. John 
P]ddy, vice-president; Rev. B. P. Ripley, secretary ; S. J. W. Rey- 
nolds, treasurer. 

COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The first agricultural meeting of this county was held at the house 
of Col. Francis Henry, of this village, January 1st, 1817, to organize 
a Society for the promotion of agriculture and the useful arts. Its 
first officers were : Jacob Morris, president, John H. Prentiss, record- 
ing secretary ; Janjcs F. Cooper, corresponding secretary. In 1 84 1 
the Society was re-organized ; and again, on a stronger basis, in 1 855. 

The grounds now owned by this Society, on the southern border of 
the village, where its annual Fairs are held, are extensive, beauti- 
fully located, and valuable, and the several buildings well adapted to 
the uses required 

The present Officers of the Society are as follows : President — Tol- 
aian C. Smith ; Vice-Presidents — (x. Pomeroy Keese, James R. 



232 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

Morris, W. Dean Burditt, E. H. Barney, Peter Barton, G. Fiyde 
Clarke, Horace M. Pierce, George Nellis, Frank 0. Campbell ; Secre- 
tary — Henry K. Jarvis ; Treasurer — Andrew Davidson ; Directors — 
John B. Hooker, Charles Bates, James Bunyan, H. M. Hooker, 
Charles Childs, Abel Sill. 

THE OTSEGO COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

This was organized at the Court House in this village, July 1st, 
1806, pursuant to an act of the Legislature of this State, passed April 
4th in the same year, authorizing physicians duly licensed as such to 
form societies in every county in the State, and constituting them 
when so formed bodies corporate. At the first meeting of this Soci- 
ety there were present fourteen physicians who constituted themselves 
members, and elected the following 

Officers : Dr. Joseph White of Cherry Valley, president ; Dr. 
Thomas Fuller of this village, vice-president ; Dr. Caleb Richardson 
of Burlington, secretary; Dr. Isaac North, treasurer. 

The present officers of the Society are : Dr. J. H. Moon, president ; 
Dr. 0. W. Peck, vice-president ; Dr. L. H. Hills, treasurer ; Dr. H. 
D. Blanchard, secretary. 

COUNTY SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. 

This Society was organized in 1875, and has held annual meetings 
ever since. It embraces most of the Sunday Schools of the Baptist, 
Methodist, Presbyterian, and those of a few other churches in this 
county. 

Its present officers are : Hon. John Eddy, president ; Dr. L. H. 
Hills, vice-president ; Henry Saunders, secretary ; vS. H. Sherman, 
treasurer ; C. W. Smith, statistical secretary ; Mrs. A. E. Babbitt, 
Woman's Missionary Aid secretary. 

TRIALS FOR TAKING LIFE— EXECUTIONS. 

Stephen Aknold, a school teacher in the town of Burlington, in 
June, 1805, was tried and convicted of whipping a little girl with 
such brutal severity, for her inability correctly to pronounce a word, 
that she died four days after the occurrence. A gallows was erected 
in the edge of Middlefield, near the Main street bridge, and Arnold 
was led out for execution. The Rev. Isaac Lewis preached a sermon to 
the crowd that had gathered there. At 9 o'clock that morning a mes- 
senger had arrived with a reprieve, but the fact was not made known 
to Arnold until the noose had been placed about his neck. For this 
act the Sheriff was justly and severely censured. 

PiiiLO Thompson, of Cherry Valley, was in 182G inlicted for the 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 233 

Jiiurder of Samuel Campbell, whom he killed in a quarrel, in which 
both were more or less to blame ; he hit him with a hoe, causinor 
death. Tried at the July term of Oyer and Terminer, found guilty of 
manslaughter, and sentenced to State prison for seven years. 

On the 3d of September, 1827, Levi Kei.ly, a farmer of the town 
of Otsego, shot and killed a man named Abraham iBpafard. who lived 
in his house as tenant. Kelly was a man of violent temper, from 
the effects of which Spafard was trying to shield a boy, when Kelly 
shot him. He was tried and convicted in November, and executed 
December 28, 1827, on the lot where the Cooper House now stands, on 
Chestnut street, before a large concourse of people, though the rain 
poured in torrents in the morning. A staging erected for the accom- 
modation of GOO people gave way, just before the execution ; two 
men were killed, and upwards of a score were injured, several of them 
severely Kelly manifested much solicitude and interest in this sad 
accident. 

David Darby, a blacksmith of Cherry Valley, was tried and con- 
victed in December, 1826, for striking, in a tit of anger, and killing his 
employer, named Smith B. Reynolds. The sentence was commuted 
to imprisonment for life. But Darby was broken in health and was 
pardoned out after a short imprisonment. 

In April, 1845, Denniston Rogers, of Plainfield, was tried for the 
murder of his wife, and was acquitted. It was claimed that his cruel- 
ty was so great, perpetrated during a fit of intoxication, that he would 
unquestionably have been convicted under an indictment for man- 
slaughter. 

Levi Clearwater was indicted and tried in September, 1846, for 
the killing of Nathan Tiffany of Milford, in May of that year. He 
was defended by Gov. Seward, and was convicted of manslaughter in 
the third degree. 

Patrick Mc^Namara, of Richfield, killed his wife in 1859, by 
pounding her with a club. It was a cruel murder ; yet the jury, at the 
trial in June, failed to convict JMcNamara on that charge, and he was 
sent to State prison for life. 

Mrs. Elizabeth P. McCraxey, of Oneonta, was tried in December, 
1860, for the alleged poisoning of her step-daughter, a young lady 
named Huldah Baker. She was acquitted. In the June following 
she was tried on the charge of poisoning her husband s brother, Allen 
leaker of Oneonta, and again acquitted. Both of these pei-sons evi- 
dently met their death by poison. 

Myron A. Buell, a young farm laborer, to conceal another crime, 
killed a beautiful young girl named Catherine M. Richards, of the 
town of Plainfield, in July, 1878, by choking her to death with a 



234 HISTORY OF G00PER8T0WN. 

strap. She was the daughter (A his employer. He was tried for the 
offense, the following winter, convicted of murder, and executed within 
the jail premises by Sheriff James F. Clark, Nov. 14, 1879. 

In September, 1888, a young married woman named Mary Ser- 
geant was tried for poisoning her infant child. She was acquitted on 
the ground of insanity at the time, and was sent to the insane asylum, 
where she remained a year or more, when she was allowed to go home, 
being pronounced well. 

In August, 1884, after a prolonged debauch, and while still under 
the influence of liquor, James F. Clayton, of Middlefield, shot and 
killed his little girl, aged about three years. On the ground of "tem- 
porary insanity" imputed to him, Clayton was sent to State prison for 
life. 

John M. Schuyler, a barber of the town of Morris, while somewhat 
under the influence of liquor, seized his little daughter, aged about 
three years, and killed her by striking her head against a block of 
wood. He is now confined in the county jail, awaiting trial. The 
same plea of "temporary insanity," it is said, will be offered in this 
case. 

BRIEF MENTION OF FACTS OF INTEREST. 

In the fall of 18.52 the County Fair was held at Morris and the 
attendance was very large. 

In February of 1853 Oneonta issued its first newspaper, L. P. Car- 
penter proprietor. 

In 1854 the late Benjamin Rathbun of Springfield gave .^12,000 to 
five different missionary and educational societies. 

In November of 1854 Isaac Lane of Decatur, who was one of 
Washington's Guard in the Revolution, died at the age of 93 years. 

At the fall election of 1859 Joshua Griffin, aged 94, voted in Mid- 
dlefield. Ebenezer Lisk in Otsego, aged 97, was this fall unable to 
attend. 

In August, 1863, Timothy Herkimer, an Exeter farmer, was arrest- 
ed and placed in jail, by orders from the War Department at Washing- 
ton, which resisted a writ of habeas corpus granted by Judge Nelson . 
Afterwards Herkimer was for a time confined in Fort Lafayette. He 
was charged with uttering "disloyal sentiments." 

On the 2d of September, 1864, a serious accident occurred at 
Springfield Center. A large number of persons were injured by the 
giving away of a floor in a public hall, during the progress of an en- 
tertainment. 

On the 1st of November, 1864, there was great excitement in Una- 
dilla and elsewhere over the arbitrary arrest in Washington, by order 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 235 

of the military authorities, of Col. Samuel North of that village — he 
being one of the Agents of this State to look after the welfare of the 
Soldiers. The false charges made against him were all disproved, 
and after suffering great indignities he was pronounced "not guilty" by 
the unanimous verdict of a drum-head Court Martial. 

On the 29th of August, 1 8G5, Oneonta celebrated the completion 
and opening of the A. & S. R. R. to that village. It was a grand 
event, and there was a great concourse of people in attendance. 

Twice in June, 1866, Cherry Valley suffered from destructive fires. 
Losses aggregated about ."$72,000. 

On the night of August 16, 1866, thirteen buildings were destroyed 
by fire in Gilbertsville. Loss $30,000 to !$40,()00 ; insurance about 
$10,000. The work of an incendiary. 

In July, 1867, occurred the failure of the Unadilla Bank, entailing 
heavy losses on the people of that village and elsewhere 

December 12, 1867, occurred a fire at Schenevus, destroying prop- 
erty to the amount of $23,000. 

In August of 1869 there was great excitement all along the Sus- 
quehanna valley, over a fight for the control of the A. & S. railroad. 
Legal complications followed. The Governor had to command the 
peace at one time during the active war, in which a great deal of sharp 
practice was shown. 

On the 3d of March. 1870, there was great public rejoicing in Cher- 
ry Valley over the completion of the C. V. R. R., the last spike hav- 
ing been driven on the 1st day of that month. 

In April, 1872, Mrs. Shannon, of Cherry Valley, willed about 
$9,200 to various religious and charitable societies. 

A disastrous fire occurred at Roseboom on the 11th of January, 
1873, destroying property to the amount of $17,500. 

On May 11, 1874, occurred a large fire at Gilbertsville; 25 build- 
ings destroyed ; loss about $100,000. This was another act of incen- 
diarism. 

At the Schenevus Fair of September, 1875, Governor Tilden was 
present, and delivered an address to the large concourse of people. 

In 1876 Miss Kate Roseboom built a beautiful stone church for the 
Presbyterian Society of Cherry Valley, at a cost of about $35,0<)0. 

July 4, 1878, there was a grand celebration at Hartwick, and Dr. 
Richard Fry, who was the Orator of the Day in 1828, fifty years pre- 
vious, was the speaker on this occasion. 

August 22, 1878, occurred the Centennial Celebration of Cherry 
Valley. There was a large concourse of people present. Governor 
Seymour and Douglass Campbell were the principal speakers. 

May 11, 1879, a very destructive fire occurred on Sunday in Una- 



230 HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN. 

dilla, by which about .$82,000 of property was destroyed, and the 
best part of the business portion of the town laid in ashes. 

The late Lester Taylor of Otsego in 1879 gave .'$2,000 each to Clin- 
ton Liberal Institute and the St. Lawrence University — institutions of 
learning of the Universalist Church. 

Died, May 13, 1880, in the town of Otsego, Mrs. Thomas King, 
aged 101 years in February, and leaving 100 descendants. 

In the fall of 1882 hops sold in Otsego county at !$1 .15 to ^1 .25 a 
pound. Price dropped to 25 cents in July following — many growers 
still holding. 

September 8, 1883, there occurred a fire at Morris, which destroyed 
property to the amount ol about .$35,000. 

Died, in Exeter, April, 1884, Mrs. Polly Donaghe, aged 103 years 
and nine months. She was a native of this country, and her maiden 
name was Tafft. 

August, 1884, the new and handsome Presbyterian church at Gil- 
bertsville was dedicated. The entire cost of the edifice was about 
$40,000. The old edifice Avas in use 51 years. 

In March, 1884, occurred the failure of the Morris banking house, 
entailing heavy losses on the j^eople of that and neighboring towns. 

In 1884 the Otsego County Bible Society made a careful canvass of 
the county, and had a copy of the Bible placed in every family desti- 
tute of it, where it would be received. 

The banking house of P. H. Mitchell & Co., Schenevus, failed in 
December, 1884, owing depositors about $112,000, and with assetts 
amounting to only about .$50,000. A long and expensive litigation 
followed, the assignment being declared fraudulent and set aside. 

In 1885 the endowment fund of TIartwick Seminary had been 
increased to about .$35,000, not counting anything from the James F. 
C'lark estate of Ohio. 

Good to choice hops were selling in this county, crop of 1885, for 4 
to 8 cents in the early spring of 188 G — the highest considerably below 
the cost of production. 

Richfield Sjjrings has made great progress within the present decade : 
new stores and dwellings, improved hotels, a good bank, water works, 
a sewerage system, increased population, etc. Oneonta shows a still 
greater growth and more rapid increase in population and wealth. 

Early in the present century, there were about thirty distilleries in 
this county, making whisky, four or five of which were located in the 
town of Otsego. The cider mills were at the same time very numer- 
ous. 



HISTORY OF COOPERSTOWN, 23' 



OUR contributors- 



Acknowledgments and thanks are tendered, with due appreciation, 
to those friends who have kindly contributed toward making this 
book of interest and worth to those to whom it is specially dedicated: 

To Miss Carrie M. Hills, for her finely written article on "The 
Glimmerglass," much assistance in collating and preparing for the 
press data embraced in "The Chronicles" from 1838 to 1886, and 
proof-reading. 

To Mr. G. PoMEROY Keese, for his valuable article on local "Mete- 
orology," and the statistics accompanying it relating to the ice leav- 
ing the Lake ; an article on "The Cooper Monument," etc, 

To Miss Susan Fenimore-Cooper, for her interesting articles oil 
"The Thanksgiving Hospital" and "The Orphan House of the Holy 
Saviour." 

To Mr. Elihu Piiinnev, for his article and valuable statistics on 
"Fish and Fishing in Otsego Lake." 

To Dr. John K. Leaning, for his brief sketch of Fly ('reek and its 
early settlers. 

To Mr. Isaac K. Williams, for his chapter on Pierstown history, 
of special interest to the families who were the principal early settlers 
of that neighborhood and their now widely-scattered descendants- 
He has collated and put on record facts which might otherwise have 
been lost to the next generation. 

The Essay of the late Hon. Isaac N. Arnold on Mr. Cooper, is 
the tribute not only of a warm personal friend and admirer, but is 
the most discriminating and just, and one of the best written pane- 
gyrics on the great Novelist and Naval Historian, which has ever been 
published. Mr. Arnold wielded a polished and scholarly pen. We 
also give an extract of local interest from an address which he made 
in Cooperstown a few years before his death. 



INDEX. 



Abbe de Raffcourt, 23 

Academy, subscriptian, 29 

Agricultural Society of Co , 73, 231 
Aqueduct Association, 108, 153 

Averell, William H. 161 

Arnold, I^aac N., address 167 

do. his tribute to Cooper, 192^i06 
Acknowledgment to contributors, 237 

Bowers' Patent, 6 

Bowerstown, 7 

Bowers, Mrs. 7 

Bowers, Henry and John M. 41 

Bank incorporated, 50 

Bouck's visit, Gov 64 

Bank Robbery, 68 

Bank of CooperstoWti, 71 

tiarber, Andrew M. 72, 162 

Bowne, George L. ?8. 161 

Baptist Church, 91, 120 

Ballard House, 103 

Bowen, Samuel A 121, \6i 

Banks in Cooperstown 152 

Bible Society, 231 

Bowers, Martha S. 162 

Bowers, John M. 163 

Bowne, Samuel S. 163 

Chronicles of CooperstoWn, 

Cooper, 9-61 

do. do S. M. Shaw,62-129 

Clinton's Campaign, 8, 14 

Cooper. William 12, 170 

do. do. death of 42 

Cooper's Patent. 14 

Cooperstown, first settlement, 19, 20 

do. first buildings, 21, 22 

do. first store, 23 

do. first child born, 25 

do. first minister, 29 

do first M. C. elected, 31 



Cooper, Miss Anna 3? 

Churches, eirly established, 36-39 

Court House, 43 

Cooperstown in 1838, 54 

Cooper's libel suits, 64 

Clark, Edward 73, 118, 161 

Cooper Monument, 75 

Civil War, meetings, 78, 82, 84 

Catholic Church, 86, 87 

Cooper House, hotel, 93, 106 

County Buildings, 100, 107 

Centennial Year, 103 

Carter, Mrs. Jane R. 109 

Court House, laying of the Corner 

Stone, 109 
Central Hotel, 121 

Christ Church, 123 

Corporation of Cooperstown, 141 

Churches in Cooperstown, 143-146 

Cooperstown RR. Co., 153 

Cory, Ellery 160 

Clarke, Thomas 162 

Crippen, Mrs. Schuyler 162 

Clarke, Alfred 163 

Cooperst'n facts and incidents, 164-167 
do walks, drives and 

sails near, 170 
Cooper, personal recollections of* 206 
Cooper monurnent, 208 

Dedication, 3 

Dix, John A. 52 

Distinguislied Visitors, 84 

Death of Old Residents, 173-177 

Ernst, Rev. John F. 37 

Empire House, 68, 73, 90 

Earthquakes, 88, 105, 125 

Edwards, Edwaid 100 

Early Society of Cooperstown, 167 



INDEX. 



239 



Fire Engines first obtained, 4t 

Fires, 46, 49, 66 78, 106, 108, 125 

Freeman's Journal, 102,108 

Fire Department, 151 

Fowler, Dr. E. P. 120, 122 

Facts of Interest, 164-167 

Fish & Fishing in Otsego Like, 165-191 
Fly Creelv, 212 



Gas Light for Streets, 

Garfield, President 

Granr, Gen U. S. 

Glimmerglass, 

Gregory, Kate Worthington 



78 
117 
126 
130 
168 

!, 52 



"Hall, The" built, 

do. changed to hotel 

and burned, 70 
Hausman, Esaias 41 

Hotels, early established, 48, 49 

Hop Growers' Association, 6i 

Harris, E. M., appointed Co Judge, 83 
Hotel Fenimore, 102, 121 



Ireland, relief, 

Jail burned, 

Jail, Court House, and Sheriff's 

Residence built, 

Kingfisher Tower, 
Keese, Theodore 



Le Quoy de Mersereau, 
Library first opened. 
Lawyers, the first, 
Lake Otsego, 
Lakewood Cemetery, 
Lake Navigation, 
Lincoln, President 
Lakelands, sale of 
Lee, Frederick A. 
Literary Society, 
Lathrop, Horace 

Masonic Hall, 
Military Companies, 
Members of Congress, 
Manufactories, 



65 



63 





160 




27 




34 




48 




55 


73, 


126 


74 


L 93 




85 




119 


121, 


161 




151 




160 


42, 


127 




45 



Morehouse, E. B 
Marcy, Gov. Wm. L. 
Musical Convention, 
Methodist Church, 
Memorial Day, 
Mcintosh, Thos. 
Morehouse, Mrs. E. B. 
Meteorology, local. 
Medical Society, 

Newspapers, 

Nelson, Judge Samuel 



72 
103 
125 
162 
162 
177-180 
•J32 

44, 59, 149 

52, 93, 99, 159 



Otsego Lake and Vicinity. 6-8 

Oldest residents, 51, 157-159 

Otsego Republican, 73 102, 122 

Otsego Co. Bible Society, 84 

Otsego Lake Building Association, 89 
Orphan House, 117, 118, 123 

Otsego, Town of 212 

Otsego, County of 224-238 

Preface, 6 

Phinney, Elihu 31 

Population of Cooperstown 1812, 44 
do. do 1820-'35, 49 

Printing House of H. & E. Phinney, 59 
do destroyed by fire, 66 

Professional and Business Men 

of Cooperstown, 154-157 
Pioneer Boat Club, 86 

Phinney, Henry F. 90, 91. 160 

Pioneer Mills, 106 

Prentiss, Col. John H. 77, 160 

Phinney, Elihu, Sen., 159 

Pomeroy, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. 160 

Points of interest near Coopst'n, 170 
Pierstown, 214-223 

Roads first built, , 32 

Railroad projected in 1839, 62 

Railroad Matters, 70, 83, 89, 91, 102 



Society in Cooperstown, 
Seward's first visit. Gov. 
Seminary, The 70, 85, 

Snow Storm in April, 
Seymour, Gov. 
Steamers on Lake, 



57 



90 



•240 



IMDE^. 



Bturges, tf . 103^ 109, 

Sewerage System, 

Skating Kink, 

Schools, public and private, 

Secret Societies, 

Story; Joshua H. 

Sill, Jedediah P. 

Scott, Henry 

Smith, Dr. Thomas 

Spafard, Dr Ariel 

Sunday School Association, 



Thanksgiving Sermon first pr c 
Temperance movement, 
Telegraph Line, 
Thanksgiving Hospital, 
Telephone System, U9, 153 

Trials for Life, 23i 



123, 162 


Union School, 


88, 


91, 147 


118, 1-20 








122 


Village Trustees elected. 




43 


147 


Van Buren's first visit, Pres 


ident 63 


150 








161 


Wilson, MrS: 




1 


161 


Washington, Gen. 




7, 12 


161 


Whipping Post, 




31 


162 


Water Supply, 




65. 


163 


Worthington Bank, 




72, 92 


232 


Weed,Thurlow 




92 




Worthington, John R; 




160 


:hM, 32 


Wilson, William 




162 


64, 65 


Williams, Isaac, Jr. 




163 


69 


Wood, Mrs. Levi 




163 


r, 91, 180 


Williams, Isaac K. 




164 



Young Men's Association, 




/. 



3418 






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